How do schemas form

Klatzky Eds. Hillsdale: Erlbaum. Schemata and sequential thought processes in PDP models. McClelland, D. Explorations in the microstructure of cognition Volume 2: Psychological and biological models, pp. Seel, N. Mental models and problem solving: Technological solutions for measurement and assessment of the development of expertise. Blumschein, W. Hung, D. Strobel Eds. Rotterdam: Sense Publ. Norbert M. Seel 1 Email author 1. To Piaget, cognitive development hinges on an individual acquiring more schemas and increasing the nuance and complexity of existing schemas.

The concept of schema was later described by psychologist Frederic Bartlett in He said that people organize concepts into mental constructs he dubbed schemas. He suggested that schemas help people process and remember information. So when an individual is confronted with information that fits their existing schema, they will interpret it based on that cognitive framework. For example, when a child is young, they may develop a schema for a dog.

They know a dog walks on four legs, is hairy, and has a tail. When the child goes to the zoo for the first time and sees a tiger, they may initially think the tiger is a dog as well. After learning the differences between a tiger and a dog, the child will modify their existing dog schema and create a new tiger schema. As the child grows older and learns more about animals, they will develop more animal schemas.

At the same time, their existing schemas for animals like dogs, birds, and cats will be modified to accommodate any new information they learn about animals. This is a process that continues into adulthood for all kinds of knowledge. There are many kinds of schemas that assist us in understanding the world around us, the people we interact with, and even ourselves.

Types of schemas include:. As our example of the child changing their dog schema after encountering a tiger illustrates, schemas can be modified. Piaget suggested that we grow intellectually by adjusting our schemas when new information comes from the world around us. Schemas can be adjusted through:. Schemas help us interact with the world efficiently.

They help us categorize incoming information so we can learn and think more quickly. As a result, if we encounter new information that fits an existing schema, we can efficiently understand and interpret it with minimal cognitive effort. However, schemas can also impact what we pay attention to and how we interpret new information. In fact, people will occasionally change or distort new information so it will more comfortably fit into their existing schemas.

In addition, our schemas impact what we remember. Scholars William F. Brewer and James C. Treyens demonstrated this in a study. They individually brought 30 participants into a room and told them that the space was the office of the principal investigator. They waited in the office and after 35 seconds were taken to a different room. There, they were instructed to list everything they remembered about the room they had just been waiting in. What Pavlov's dogs experiment teaches us about how we Explanation of the Zeigarnik effect, whereby interruption of a task can lead to More on Memory Psychology.

Psychology approaches, theories and studies explained. Learn More and Sign Up. Is there a purpose behind our dreams and nightmares?

A look at common defense mechanisms we employ to protect the ego. A new study claims that appreciation of black humor is a sign of intelligence. Learn to interpret the hidden meanings behind the themes of your dreams and nightmares.

How ingratiation techniques are used to persuade people. Struggle to keep conversations alive? Try the easy-to-remember FORM technique. Polyphasic sleep patterns, daytime naps and their impact on performance. Learn to interpret body language signals and better understand people's emotions.

Does brainwashing really exist and how has it been used? How can the colors around us affect our mood? Learn Body Language Reading. Read Guide. How To Interpret Your Dreams. Overcome your Fears and Phobias. Sign Up. Sign In Sign Up. Psychologist World Toggle Navigation Learn more psychology. References Piaget, J.

The Language and Thought of the Child. London: Routledge. Bartlett, F. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Jung, Carl and Dell, S. The Integration of the Personality English translation. Personality Quizzes.

Self-Help Guides. Follow Psychologist World:. False Memories How false memories are created and can affect our ability to recall events. Why Do We Forget? Conditioned Behavior What is conditioning? Interrupt To Remember? Sign Up for Unlimited Access.