Schema Theory | Psychology

Schema Theory

Claims that humans actively process information, relate it to existing knowledge and use it.

Schema

A mental representation and hypothetical construct stored in the long-term memory which is derived from personal experiences.

• Helps organize knowledge.

• Helps predict.

• Helps fill in missing information gaps based on existing schemas.

• Simplify an understanding of the world.

• Open to being influenced by social and cultural factors.

Assimilation

Schemas change based on new information that has been obtained.

Accommodation

Information is constantly added onto existing schemas.

Scripts

A type of schema that organizes information based on a procedure.