Question

A schema is like a set of instructions, right? As adults we use them all the time, and we don’t really notice we’re doing it. Switch on a light or make a sandwich and you are using a schema to do it - a mental model you’ve created through a process of trial and error to find the best and most efficient way of completing your task.

Our schemas aren't always right. What's special about them is that they represent the current state of our knowledge. Over time, and as we explore further, we come to realize that there were gaps in our understanding. We can then modify our schema to reflect this new information.

Take this for example, I drop a football. It bounces back up. I drop a tennis ball. It bounces back up. I have now developed a schema that balls bounce! But, one day I drop a ball of play dough and it doesn't bounce. I update my schema: balls that spring back into shape after you've squeezed them will bounce. Balls that don't, won't. Which works until I try dropping a golf ball. Hope this makes sense! Now,

it's your turn - give personal thought to a few of your schemas to compare/contrast. Then, discuss them with a friend, family member, or colleague....or, save it for our live session!

Think about a particular schema you have developed. Then, mentally compare that to a completely different schema. Compare and contrast the differences between the two schemas. Here's some additional examples of schemas: eating out at a sit-down restaurant; riding public transportation; being in the classroom; going through a drive-thru window (feel free to explore others). Prepare an explanation that highlights the schemas you've identified from

Activity 4 Then, answer the following three questions.

1 - How would you explain the relationship of schemas and social cognition?

2 - How are your identified schemas different?

3 - Why are schemas, in general, useful?

Answer 1

Schemas helps in the process of social cognition. The socila cognition is often detrmined based on social schemas. In a social setting the aspcts of schema like stereotype, archtype, social role, script and world view will into play. so the socila cognition is according to the schemas in a person. So i will be behaving in street to black person based on the sterotypes(schema) i have about that person.

i have schemas that include stereotypes, social role, socila schems worl view etc.

My world view is a place where everone lives in peace and harmony to ecah other. Still i have stereotypes on different communities

Schemas in general helps us to determine our behaviour. It will help us to behave an individual in different cituvations. It also helps us to develop an understanding around the sorroundings and world