AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Schemas (or schemata) are units of understanding that can be hierarchically categorized as well as webbed into complex relationships with one another. For example, think of a house. You probably get an immediate mental image of something out of a kid’s storybook: four windows, front door, suburban setting, chimney.

Detailed explanation-2: -In psychology terms, Bartlett’s subjects were displaying what is known as a “schema.” A schema is a set of preconceived ideas that your brain uses to perceive and interpret new information. We form schemas based on our experiences in life.

Detailed explanation-3: -Four schemata help us makes sense of experiences: prototypes, personal constructs, stereotypes and scripts.

Detailed explanation-4: -Schemata influence attention and the absorption of new knowledge: people are more likely to notice things that fit into their schema, while re-interpreting contradictions to the schema as exceptions or distorting them to fit. Schemata have a tendency to remain unchanged, even in the face of contradictory information.