Describe one research study which has investigated schema theory.

In this 22 mark question you first want to specify the parameters of the essay - define and explain schema theory as a concept (Schemas are cognitive structures that are derived from prior experience and knowledge, they set up expectations about what is probable in relation to particular social and textual contexts) and if possible place it within contemporary psychological research. i.e. Outline that this has been an area of psychological interest and research. In this case options for studies to go into depth on are: Bartlett (1932) 'War of the Ghosts', Brewer and Treyens (1981) 'Office schema'. Take Bartlett (1932) - explain the aims (investigate how memory of a story is affected by previous knowledge), methodology (difference between serial and repeated reproduction), participants (Brits), results (1, Assimilation - story became more consistent with the participants own cultural expectations, 2, Levelling - story became shorter as information considered unimportant was ignored, 3, Sharpening - participants tended to change the order of the story and use terms that were more familiar to them i.e. 'boat' for 'canoe' and 'fishing' for 'hunting'). High ecological validity as applicable to everyday life but no standardised instructions/ may not be representative of trends outside of the participant pool and social groups.