What does the term 'schema' refer to in Cognitive psychology?

In cognitive psychology, the term 'schema' refers to a mental structure that organizes knowledge and expectations about the world. Schemas help individuals make sense of complex information by providing frameworks for understanding and interpreting experiences. For instance, when encountering new information or situations, schemas can guide one’s perception and reaction by activating relevant knowledge or expectations.

This cognitive structure assists in categorizing information, which streamlines cognitive processing. When we learn something new, we often assimilate that information into existing schemas or create new ones, which can reflect our experiences and beliefs. This concept is pivotal in various cognitive processes, including perception, memory, and learning.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what a schema represents in cognitive psychology. A chemical reaction in the brain does not encompass the organizational aspect of knowledge that schemas do. Similarly, a behavioral response to stimuli relates more to behavioral psychology, not cognitive structure. Lastly, while a social standard of behavior pertains to social psychology, it does not address the mental structures that organize cognitive knowledge and expectations.