schema |
Working Definition:
Schemas are mental structures, often models or scripts, used to organize our memory and focus our attention by anticipating outcomes of thought or action.
"Structure A is a schema with respect to structure B when A is compatible with the specifications of B but characterizes corresponding entities with less precision and detail" (Langacker, Foundations of Cognitive Grammar, 2002, 2.1.4.3; 3.3.3; 10.1.1) [see analog]
Disciplinary Definitions:
In Aronson the term, schema, seems to be used in relation to “anticipating” events, e.g., whether someone will succeed in a test. This suggests that a schema is something like a character trait, that is, a pattern that will be fleshed out. So a schema is, in many instances, a “behavior pattern.” “Each of us has all sorts of schemas about what people are like” (Aronson, Social Psychology, et. al., 1999, 79) It also approximates Tannen's conception of a frame as an "expectation."
Oddly, Aronson writes about “attribution theory” without references to schema. (Aronson, Social Psychology, et. al., 1999, 121) Attribution theory seems to be about the use of schema and the various ways in which we schematize, e.g., whether attributing a schema to the person or to the situation, whether attributing it because the behavior is characteristic or unexpected, whether it is category based (a schema of a group) or target based (a schema of a personality type).
“Mental structures people use to organize their knowledge about the social world around themes or subjects; schemas affect what information we notice, think about, and remember.” (Aronson, et. al., 1999, 68) “Schemas act as filters, straining out information that is contradictory to or inconsistent with the prevailing theme (Aronson, Social Psychology, et. al., 1999, 68). There’s a strong connection between schema, cultures, and memory. We have excellent memories, for example, in areas where we have well developed schema because the domain is important to us (Aronson, Social Psychology, et. al., 1999, 72)
schema Structure A is a schema with respect to structure B when A is compatible with the specifications of B but characterizes corresponding entities with less precision and detail. (The relation between A and B is equivalent to that between a super-ordinate and subordinate node in a taxonomic hierarchy.) [Langacker, Foundations of Cognitive Grammar, 2002, 2.1.4.3; 3.3.3; o. .1]
"Whether by schema or by prototype, categorization resides in a comparison event of the form S>T = V. It is achieved when the conceptualizer succeeds in observing within the target (T) a configuration# that satisfies some or all of the specifications of the standard (S). More precisely, V—the magnitude of discrepancy between the standard and target—is required to fall below a certain threshold of tolerance. When all the specifications of S are satisfied by T, so that V = o, S is referred to as a schema, and the categorizing relationship S—* T is one of elaboration or specialization; there is full compatibility between S and T, even though the latter is specified in finer detail. When there is some inconsistency between S and T, so that V has a nonzero value, S can be referred to as a prototype, in a generalized sense of the term; the categorizing relationship S---> T then involves extension rather than simple elaboration, as some of the specifications of S must be modified or suspended if this configuration is to be observed in T." (Langacker, Foundations of Cognitive Grammar, 2002, 371)
#not used exactly as a C-CS working term (does not include transposition as a feature) but in a closely related sense
schematicity Relative precision of specification along one or more parameters. Also, the relation between a schema and its instantiation; such schematicity is full or partial depending on whether or not the two are fully compatible in their specifications. [Langacker, Foundations of Cognitive Grammar, 2002, 2.1.4.3; 2.1.4.4; 3.3.3]
schematic network An assembly of overlapping categorizing units. [Langacker, Foundations of Cognitive Grammar, 2002,2.1.5; 10.1; 10.21
schematic plane Defined by categorizing relationships among structures organized in schematic networks (paradigmatic relationships). (The opposite of syntagmatic plane.) [Langacker, Foundations of Cognitive Grammar, 2002,2.1.5]
schematic-transparency principle The tendency for the sanctioning and target
structures to merge into a single, consistent conceptualization when there
is full consistency between their specifications. When a schema merges with
its instantiation, the resulting structure is equivalent to the instantiation.
[Langacker, Foundations of Cognitive Grammar,
2002,2.3.2.2; 11.3.1]
Comments:
I’m assuming that schemas can be scripts and that they are linked to action—knowing what to do. At the same time, they are also linked to thoughts—knowing what to say or write. I also assume that there is a strong association between the semantic field activated and the image of experience to which it may refer. The connection to attention may also be quite significant. The semantic attention filter focuses on a part of a perceptual field, even in recalling experiences. The action oriented schema focuses on a pattern within the experience, e.g., the way to the restroom in the restaurant. (A person would anticipate that a sign would be available as a guide and look toward the rear of the room, searching the walls for doors or corridors. The searching activity presupposes a pattern in one’s experience of going to restrooms in restaurants.).
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last revised:
June 13, 2007
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