Schema theory

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Schemas are cognitive structures that organise the knowledge that is stored in our memory. To be able to create schemas, we must already have previous knowledge which will influence the outcome of information processing. The schema theory states that all knowledge is organized into units.

Encoding: transforming sensory information into a meaningful memory
Storage: creating a biological trace of the encoded information in memory, which is either consolidated or lost
Retrieval: using the stored information

Types of schemas
Scripts: provide information about the sequence of events that occur in particular contexts
Self-schemas: organise information we have about ourselves
Social schemas: represent information about groups of people

Evaluation: Research supports that the schema theory affects cognitive processes (for example memory). It is useful when trying to understand how people organise and process information, but also about memory distortions and social cognition. However, it is not perfectly clear how schemas are acquired in the first place or how they actually influence cognitive processes.

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