brewer and treyens (1981)

Introduction

Definition of Key Terms: Schema theory suggests that prior knowledge and expectations influence memory encoding and retrieval. A schema is a cognitive framework that helps individuals process and interpret information based on past experiences.

Context: This study is relevant to the cognitive approach in psychology, particularly in understanding how schemas influence memory recall.

Outline: This essay will evaluate the role of schema in memory with reference to a study investigating how prior expectations shape the recall of objects in an office setting.

Schema theory suggests that people use mental frameworks (schemas) to organize and interpret information. Schemas help fill in gaps in memory but can also lead to distortions or false memories. This study examines whether schemas influence the encoding and retrieval of episodic memory.

Evidence

Aim: To investigate how schemas affect the encoding and recall of memory in an office environment.

Method

Participants: 86 university psychology students.

Procedure:

Participants were placed in an office with both schema-consistent (e.g., typewriter, coffee pot) and schema-incongruent objects (e.g., skull, toy top).

They were unaware that memory recall would be tested.

After 35 seconds, participants were taken to another room and asked to recall what they remembered using one of three methods:

1. Written recall & verbal recognition

2. Drawing recall

3. Verbal recognition only

Later, they rated their confidence in recognizing items from a list (some of which were not in the room).

Findings:

Participants were more likely to recall objects that were schema-consistent. Incongruent objects (e.g., skull) were often not remembered in free recall but were recognized when presented in a list. Some participants falsely remembered schema-consistent objects that were not in the room (e.g., books). Objects were sometimes altered to match schema expectations (e.g., a trapezoidal table was recalled as square). Memory was influenced by prior knowledge rather than actual perception.

Application

The study demonstrates how schemas influence memory, supporting the idea that memory is reconstructive rather than a perfect recording of events. Findings are relevant to real-world situations, such as eyewitness testimony, where memory distortions may occur due to expectations.

Criticism

Methodological issues:

The study lacks control over participants prior schemas, as their expectations were not directly measured before the experiment.

Sample was limited to psychology students, potentially leading to demand characteristics or lack of generalizability.

Ethical concerns:

Participants were deceived about the true nature of the study and were unaware when the experiment had begun. However, this was necessary to prevent demand characteristics.

Reliability & validity:

Pilot testing helped determine schema-consistent objects, increasing internal validity. The study supports schema theory but does not fully explain why some incorrect objects were remembered while others were not.

Unanswered Questions

How do individual differences in schema strength affect memory distortion?

Would different cultures have different schemas influencing recall?

Could familiarity with office settings influence the results?

Practical Use

Understanding how schemas shape memory can improve forensic interview techniques to reduce false memories in eyewitnesses.

Findings can inform educational strategies to enhance learning and memory retention.

Counterarguments

Alternative research (e.g., Loftus & Palmers study on memory distortion) suggests that post-event information, rather than schemas alone, can alter memory.

Not all memories are schema-driven distinctive or emotionally significant events may be remembered more accurately.

Conclusion

The study supports schema theory by showing how prior knowledge influences memory encoding and recall.Memory is reconstructive and subject to distortion based on expectations.While the study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to address individual and cultural variations in schema influence.These findings have important implications for areas such as legal psychology and education.