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SCHEMAS
Information is organized and interpreted using a cognitive framework or mental structure
called a schema. Objects, situations, expectations, roles, and behaviors are shaped by schemas,
which are visual representations of how we perceive the world.Schemas enable us to recognize
patterns in our environment quickly and efficiently as we make sense of it. They can also help us
understand how people behave in certain contexts or roles by providing abstract concepts about
them which influence how they act within those contexts.
There are several advantages associated with schemas such as improved comprehension
when reading or comprehending verbal messages, better recall due to the organization of stored
memories into distinct categories or themes related to the schema, and enhanced recognition
when trying to identify similar objects/situations with which we have some familiarity (Aronson
et al., 2019). Additionally, having knowledge about a specific situation based on an existing
schema can aid decision-making by providing rational thought processes that prevent one from
making errors in their judgments. For example if one has encountered legal contracts before they
will possess a contract schema which will provide an outline for what should be expected from
any future contractual agreements (Stolle & Slain, 1997).
While there are many potential benefits associated with forming schemas there can also
be disadvantages. Schemas can introduce bias and distort reality by leading one to make
assumptions about people or situations based solely on their prior knowledge, rather than being
open to new evidence that does not fit with the pre-existing schema. This can create false
impressions or lead to an incorrect conclusion (Madon et al., 2018). For example a judge may
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enter into a court case with an existing schema of how criminals should be treated and verdicts
should be determined; this could potentially lead to biased decision making as they would
evaluate the facts through the lens of their preconceived notions instead of letting neutral
objectivity guide them towards making the most just ruling for all involved (Nickerson, n.d).
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References
Aronson, E., Wilson, T. D., Akert, R. M., & Sommers, S. R. (Eds.). (2019). Social psychology
(10th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Madon, S., Jussim, L., Guyll, M., Nofziger, H., Salib, E. R., Willard, J., & Scherr, K. C. (2018).
The accumulation of stereotype-based self-fulfilling prophecies. Journal of Personality
and Social Psychology,Links to an external site. 115(5), 825–844.
https://doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000142.supp (Supplemental)
Nickerson, C. Schema in Psychology: Definition, Theory, & Examples.
Stolle, D. P., & Slain, A. J. (1997). Standard form contracts and contract schemas: A preliminary
investigation of the effects of exculpatory clauses on consumers’ propensity to sue.
Behavioral Sciences and the LawLinks to an external site., 15(1), 83–94.
doi:10.1002/(SICI)1099- 0798(199724)15:13.0.CO;2-F.
