Understanding Schema Theory

Schema theory is criticized primarily because it:

• Is too detailed

• Lacks empirical support

• Is difficult to test

• Applies only to adults

"Assimilation" in schema theory means:

• Adjusting new information to fit an existing schema

• Forgetting details

• Forming a new schema

• Rejecting new information

"Accommodation" in schema theory involves:

• Ignoring new information

• Creating new schemas

• Strengthening old schemas

• Using schemas incorrectly

What type of memory distortion does schema theory explain?

• False memories

• Procedural memory

• Episodic memory accuracy

• Sensory memory loss

The concept of schemas was expanded significantly by:

• Bartlett

• Loftus

• Piaget

• Skinner

Bartlett’s findings indicate memories are:

• Exact replicas

• Subject to reconstruction

• Always reliable

• Temporarily accurate

Schemas help individuals by:

• Slowing decision making

• Increasing cognitive load

• Simplifying cognitive processing

• Reducing memory capacity

Brewer and Treyens (1981) study supported schema theory by demonstrating:

• Visual illusions

• Office schema influences memory

• Emotional effects on memory

• Schema irrelevance

Schemas are influenced by:

• Genetic factors only

• Social and cultural context

• Neurotransmitter levels

• Hormones

Script schema refers specifically to:

• How to perform familiar tasks

• Emotional memories

• Spatial relationships

• Decision making