---
title: "Schemas — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Schemas are mental frameworks that organize and interpret information. See how they drive Piaget's stages, memory distortion, perception, and cognitive therapy on the AP exam."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/schemas"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Psychology"
---

# Schemas — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Schemas are mental frameworks that help us organize and interpret information. They are essentially cognitive structures that provide a blueprint for processing similar future events.

## Related Study Guides

- [3.2 Principles of Perception](/ap-psych-revised/unit-3/principles-perception/study-guide/Fhh6vFnfJAT5SYkfCxlm)
- [6.3 Cognitive Development in Childhood](/ap-psych-revised/unit-6/cognitive-development-childhood/study-guide/aVv1M6VBKwxRcxzwCIhj)
- [5.3 Storing](/ap-psych-revised/unit-5/storing/study-guide/dGWJGJ4tczS9TM629yDC)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Prototype](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/prototype): A mental image or best example of a category. It's like the "standard model" we compare other things to when categorizing them.
- [Assimilation](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/assimilation): The process by which we incorporate new experiences into our existing schemas. Like adding new slides into an existing PowerPoint presentation.
- [Accommodation](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/accommodation): The process of adjusting our schemas to fit new information that doesn't align with our current understanding. Like modifying the template itself when it no longer suits your needs.