What are schemas in cognitive psychology?

Schemas are cognitive structures that help individuals organize and interpret information by providing a framework that categorizes knowledge and experiences. They play a crucial role in how we understand the world around us, influencing how we perceive new information and how we store memories.

By using schemas, individuals can quickly make sense of complex information by relating it to what they already know. For instance, if someone has a schema for what a "dog" is, they can easily recognize and categorize different breeds of dogs based on shared characteristics such as fur, size, and behavior. Schemas can adapt over time as individuals encounter new experiences, allowing them to update and refine their understanding of different concepts.

This adaptability and organizational function of schemas particularly highlight their significance in cognitive psychology, as they are not static but dynamic, shaping and reshaping our understanding based on new inputs and experiences.