Skeemateoriat

Skeemateoriat, often translated as "schema theory," is a cognitive psychology concept that describes how knowledge is organized and represented in the mind. Schemas are mental frameworks or structures that represent generalized knowledge about concepts, events, objects, or people. They are built through experience and influence how we perceive, interpret, and remember new information.

According to schema theory, individuals develop complex networks of interconnected schemas. When encountering new information, the brain attempts to fit it into existing schemas. If the information is consistent with an existing schema, it is easily processed and integrated. If it deviates, it might be modified to fit, ignored, or lead to the creation of a new schema. This process is known as assimilation and accommodation, concepts borrowed from Jean Piaget's work.

Schemas are not static; they are dynamic and can be updated and refined over time with new experiences. They play a crucial role in cognitive efficiency, allowing us to make quick judgments and predictions based on past experiences. However, schemas can also lead to biases and stereotypes, as they can oversimplify reality and filter information in a way that confirms pre-existing beliefs. Understanding schema theory helps explain phenomena such as memory recall, comprehension, and even social perception.