skeemapohjaisuus

Skeemapohjaisuus refers to a concept in psychology and cognitive science that describes how individuals organize and interpret information based on pre-existing mental frameworks called schemas. These schemas are essentially organized packets of information and expectations that help us make sense of the world around us. They are formed through our experiences and can influence our perceptions, memories, and behaviors.

When we encounter new information, we tend to fit it into our existing schemas. This process can make it easier to process information and form expectations, but it can also lead to biases and distortions. For example, if someone has a schema that all dogs are dangerous, they might interpret a friendly dog's playful bark as aggressive. This can lead to a phenomenon known as assimilation, where new information is altered to fit the existing schema.

Alternatively, if new information strongly contradicts an existing schema, it may lead to accommodation, where the schema is modified to incorporate the new information. In some cases, a completely new schema might be formed. The development and modification of schemas are central to learning and adaptation, allowing us to build a more nuanced understanding of our environment over time. Schemas can be about concrete objects, abstract concepts, social roles, or even sequences of events. The efficiency of this cognitive shortcut comes at the cost of potential inaccuracies, as our schemas are not always accurate reflections of reality.