Schema Vocab

Key vocab for the cognitive Unit of IB Psychology SL

Schema

Schema

• a mental representation of knowledge

• Helps us to understand and assume how something works and what something is based on past experience

Schema Theory

• states that all knowledge is organized and stored in units

• when new schema is taken in, it is compared to pre-existing schemas found in memories

• When these new schemas don’t match the schema we have, there is an emotional response: disappointment, confusion, frustration

• based on the assumption that humans are are active processors of information

• subconsciously interpret and integrate it to make sense of our experiences

• if information is ever missing, the brain fills it in with schemas

• limited by it not yet being clear how schemas are initially produced and their exact influence on cognitive processes as well as not accounting for why, in schema, inconsistent information is sometimes recalled

Stages of Memory

1. Encoding

2. Storage

3. Retrieval

Encoding

• transforming sensory information into a meaningful memory

Storage

• creating a biological trace of the encoded information in memory

• the memory will either be retained or llost

Retrieval

• using stored information and bringing it out of storage for thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making

• the memory will then be rencoded but is susceptible to distortion or alteration

Assimilation

• when there is no schema for something and the new and different information is categorized with old schema

• may lead to inaccuracy in categorization and assumption

Accommodation

• modifying the actual schema or creating an entirely new one to categorize new information

Leveling

• when elements of a memory are removed or toned down

• could be intentional or unintentional

Sharpening

• elements of a memory are highlighted or exaggerated

• could be intentional or unintentional

Script

• patterns of behavior that are learned through our interaction with the environment

• developed in a cultural context and is not universal

• if an event doesn’t follow the script, it causes confusion or frustration

• new knowledge and experience will eventually incorporate into our script