Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Interpretations refer to the subjective understanding or meaning that individuals give to a particular situation, event, or information based on their own beliefs, experiences, and biases.
Related terms
Attribution: Attribution refers to the process of explaining the cause of someone's behavior. For example, attributing someone's actions to their personality traits or situational factors.
Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking that can affect interpretations. These biases can include confirmation bias (favoring information that confirms preexisting beliefs) or availability bias (relying on readily available information).
A schema is a mental framework composed of knowledge and expectations about certain concepts or types of situations. Schemas influence how we interpret new information by filling in gaps and guiding our attention towards relevant details.