The Schema Theory

Schema Theory suggests that our brains organize knowledge into mental structures called "schemas," which are like mental frameworks or templates based on past experiences. When we encounter new information, we relate it to these existing schemas to understand and interpret it quickly. For example, your mental schema of a "restaurant" includes expectations about ordering food, sitting at a table, and paying the bill. This process helps us make sense of the world efficiently, but it can also lead to misconceptions if our schemas are incomplete or inaccurate. Overall, schemas shape how we perceive, remember, and respond to information.