Schema
A schema is an abstract or generic knowledge structure, stored in memory, that specifies the defining features and relevant attributes of some stimulus domain, and the interrelations among those attributes. Schemata are often organized in an hierarchical order and they can consist of sub-schemata. These organized knowledge structures are highly important for information processes as they guide interpretation, help control attention, and affect memory encoding and retrieval. To give an example for a schema, the typical schema of "skinheads" might consist of attributes such as "bald", "aggressive" and "young".
See also:
cognition,
information processing,
representation,
script,
social cognition
Literature:
Bartlett (1932) ,
Crocker, Fiske & Taylor (1984) ,
Sabini (1992),
Schwarz (1985)
