30.

Explain social cognition. Discuss with examples the role of schemas in social cognition.

‘social cognition’ refers to all those psychological processes that deal with the gathering and processing of information related to social objects.

A schema is defined as a mental structure that provides a framework, set of rules or
guidelines for processing information about any object.

Schemas (or ‘schemata’) are the basic units stored in our memory, and function as shorthand ways of processing information, thus reducing the time and mental effort required in cognition.

Most of the schemas are in the form of categories or classes. Schemas that function in the form of categories are called prototypes, which are the entire set of features or qualities that help us to define an object completely. In social cognition,category-based schemas that are related to groups of people are called stereotypes.

For example if one has to define a group which is unknown to oneself t hen one would make generalisations about the group and attach one's likes and dislikes to it. On the other hand if more positive things are heard about the same group then one's social schemas about the group will be wore positive. Similarly if one hears wore negative things about the same group one would form a negative stereotype about it.

The inferences drawn about the group are not logical but based on our schemas. The schemas in the form of stereotypes are a means for the growth of prejudice and bias against a specific group.