Ch 7.14- The Role Of Schemas

Schemas

organized categories of information that get activated by an event, object, or idea

material shortcuts that guide expectations and memory

supplements incomplete memories and helps us avoid confirming the obvious

contribute to stereotypes

memory errors

errors in memory tend to make recall schema consistent

constructive memory

we first recall a generalized schema and then add in specific details if needed

schema consistent vs inconsistent

consistent: consistent with our expectations and all of our associated ideas (may not remember details like colours, foundation of what we saw: stereotype)

inconsistent: not fitting into our expectations (more likely to remember specific details because our schéma can’t fill in details)