Schema Theory
Principle 1 is demonstrated in
Schema Theory
• A schema is a mental
representation of
knowledge in the brain.
• We have schemas for
basically everything!!!!
Right now in your head, picture a
model.
But does
this one?
Principle 1: Human beings are information processors and mental
processes guide behavior.
Schema Theory
• They provide guidelines
for interpreting
Whether at
religious school information when trying
or at a party,
to make sense of the
you expect
different
world.
behaviors.
• They create
expectations on what
will happen in certain
situations.
What if someone threw
you a curve ball by doing
something you do not
expect.
Principle 1: Human beings are information processors and mental processes guide
behavior.
Schema Theory
Can even explain….
• Stereotyping
– An overgeneralized
belief about a group of
people.
Principle 1: Human beings are information processors and mental processes guide
behavior.
Schemas and Memory Reconstruction
• Our memories are not
video and audio
recordings.
• They are constructed by
cognitive
processes….like
schemas.
• How do you think
schemas can effect our
memories?
Principle 1: Human beings are information processors and mental
processes guide behavior.
Schema Theory
A Jean Piaget side note…..
Assimilation
• Incorporating new concepts
into existing schemas.
If I teach my 3 year that an
animal with 4 legs and a tail
is a dog….
What
would he
call this?
Accommodation
• Changing existing schemas
to incorporate new
information.
If I tell someone from the mid-west to picture
their schema of the Bronx they may talk about
the ratchet areas.
Principle 1: Human beings are information
processors and mental processes guide behavior.
Darley and Gross (1983)
• Carried out a laboratory
experiment on schema
theory in the social
world.
• Often called the
Hannah Study
• Participants saw 2
videos of a girl.
Principle 1: Human beings are information processors and mental processes
guide behavior.
Darley and Gross (1983)
• In video 1, girl was
playing in a poor
environment.
• In video 2, girl was
playing in a rich
environment.
• Then they saw a video of
the girl taking what
looked to be an
intelligence test and
answering the questions
inconsistently.
Principle 1: Human beings are information processors
and mental processes guide behavior.
Darley and Gross (1983)
• When participants were
asked to judge the future
of the girls, they all said
the “rich” girl would do
well and the “poor” girl
would do less well.
• On average they judged
the “rich” Hannah as
having a 5th grade
academic level, and
“poor” Hannah at a 4th
grade level.
Principle 1: Human beings are information processors and mental processes
guide behavior.
Darley and Gross (1983)
• The study demonstrates
that participants
probably used prestored schemas of what
it means to be poor and
rich.
• They then interpreted
the rest of the scene
based on these
schemas.
Principle 1: Human beings are information processors and mental processes guide
behavior.