Schema theory – IB Psychology Learning Cognition Notes

IB Psychology revision notes on Schema theory in the Learning Cognition context. Key concepts, research studies, and evaluation for the 2027 syllabus.

Mark Scheme SECTION A MARK SCHEME 4 marks Must Include: • Schemas = mental frameworks/organized knowledge • Assimilation: new info fits existing schema • Accommodation: schema changes to fit new info • Rationalization: fills memory gaps with plausible details • Schemas cause distortions in memory • Bartlett study: "War of the Ghosts" • Specific distortion canoes→boats Link Formula: "Participants assimilated the unfamiliar narrative to familiar schema, causing specific distortion, demonstrating m...