Schema Theory Cue Cards

Front

What is a schema in psychology?

Back

A schema is a mental framework or cognitive structure that organizes and interprets information.

Front

What are the four main types of schemas?

Back

Social schemas, self-schemas, script schemas, and role schemas.

Front

What is a social schema?

Back

A mental representation of people or social groups—often expressed through stereotypes.

Front

What is schematic processing?

Back

The use of existing schemas to interpret and remember new information.

Front

What is confirmation bias in schema theory?

Back

The tendency to focus on information that confirms existing beliefs and ignore contradictory information.

Front

How do schemas influence memory?

Back

People are more likely to recall schema-consistent information and forget inconsistent details.

Front

How can schemas contribute to stereotyping and prejudice?

Back

Social schemas can create biased expectations and lead to unfair judgments and discrimination.

Front

How do schemas improve comprehension?

Back

They help organize complex or ambiguous information, making it easier to understand.

Front

What was the aim of Cohen’s (1981) study?

Back

To investigate whether stereotypes influence memory recall.

Front

What did Cohen (1981) find?

Back

Participants remembered details consistent with the role (librarian or waitress) they believed the woman held.