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Schemas

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.

Analogy

Think of schemas like the templates you use in PowerPoint or Word. You don't start from scratch every time; instead, you use an existing structure (template) to guide your work. Similarly, schemas provide a framework for understanding new information based on our past experiences.

Related 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: The process by which we incorporate new experiences into our existing schemas. Like adding new slides into an existing PowerPoint presentation.

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.