A schema, as used in the field of psychology, is a cognitive map that humans use to structure and interpret information. It is a type of mental shortcut that helps us to quickly make sense of the world based on our previous experiences and knowledge.
For instance, when you enter a restaurant, you already have a schema of what to expect. You wait to get seated, you look at a menu, you order food, and then you eat. Schemas also can be used to shape our expectations and help us respond efficiently in familiar situations. However, they also have the potential to lead to biases, as people may cling to existing schemas and dismiss new or different information. Psychologists such as Jean Piaget identified schemas as playing a major role in how children learn and develop, demonstrating how these mental frameworks grow and evolve with experience. Overall, schemas affect perception, memory, and behavior by influencing our processing of the world and our responses to it.