Schema theory

Schema theory is a cognitive theory that suggests that knowledge is organized into mental structures called schemas. Schemas are constructed based on one's past experiences and represent general knowledge about certain concepts or categories. They help individuals process incoming information by allowing them to quickly interpret and understand new stimuli based on existing knowledge.

According to schema theory, schemas can influence perception, attention, memory, and problem-solving. They act as filters that determine how information is processed and interpreted, and they fill in gaps in perception based on pre-existing knowledge and expectations.

Schemas are also responsible for cognitive biases, as they can lead individuals to perceive and interpret information in a way that confirms their existing beliefs or expectations. This can lead to errors in perception and memory, as well as misunderstandings and biases.

Schema theory has been widely applied and studied in various domains, including social psychology, education, and artificial intelligence. It has provided insights into how individuals organize and process information, and how they construct meaning from their experiences.