What is schema theory?
Schemata influence our attention, as we are more likely to
notice things that fit into our schema. If something contradicts
our schema, it may be encoded or interpreted as an exception or as
unique. Thus, schemata are prone to distortion. They influence what
we look for in a situation. They have a tendency to remain
unchanged, even in the face of contradictory information. We are
inclined to place people who do not fit our schema in a "special"
or "different" category, rather than to consider the possibility
that our schema may be faulty. As a result of schemata, we might
act in such a way that actually causes our expectations to come
true.