How Schema and Novelty Augment Memory Formation - Assignment Example

We are always identifying situations and events in our lives by identifying the schemas that these events fit into. In addition, we continue to modify our schemas as we experience new events or situations and learn from them, which enables our ideas and perceptions to evolve with time (Kesteren et al, 2012). Generally, schematic perceptions are based on events that we compare to other events, running the risk of oversimplifying events.

            Indeed, due to all the information that we take in, coupled with the need to simplify events and experiences, people tend to categorize events, which allows for immediate responses based on established perceptions about these events (Kesteren et al, 2012). As a result, we do not need to perceive each football player whether from Spain, England, or Italy as unique categories, for example, instead identifying them as members of the football player category, which enables us to respond accordingly. Similarly, when one encounters other people, they tend to perceive them in terms of category, instead of unique individuals they have not encountered before, based on nationality, religion gender, or race. These categories are referred to as schemas and constitute cognitive or knowledge structures that organize incoming information, hence influencing how the individual perceives further information about events and people and responds to them (Kesteren et al, 2012).