Schema Theory

SCREAMA FOR YOUR SCHEEEEMA A schema is a mental representation of knowledge stored in the brain. It is a network of knowledge, beliefs and expectations about particular aspects of the world.

How do we process schemas? It is to a large extent automatic (we do not pay attention when it is happening).

Brewer and Treyens (1981) Experiment of memory of objects in a room Aim: To investigate whether people’s memory for objects in a room (office) is influenced by existing schemas about what to expect in an office.

Brewer and Treyens (1981) Experiment of memory of objects in a room Results Most participants recalled the schematic objects (desk, typewriter) Some participants reported things that would be expected in office but were not present (phone, books) Most participants couldn’t recall things that wouldn’t be in our “office” schema…like…

How can schemas affect memory? People tend to ignore information not in line with their schemas (aschematic information). This leads to bias (Darley and Gross and Brewer and Treyens ) People tend to focus on information that is in line with their schema. This can result in confirmation bias (Darley and Gross and Brewer and Treyens ).

Strengths and Weaknesses of Schema Theory Schema theory has proven useful in explaining many cognitive processes (memory, reasoning etc..) Can be used to explain phenomenon such reconstructive memory and stereotyping. Cohen (1993) argues that schema theory is too vague to be useful and never truly explains where they come from. Focuses too much on inaccuracies of memory where people are still accurate most of the time.