What does schema theory propose regarding reading?

Schema theory proposes that readers utilize their existing knowledge, experiences, and cognitive frameworks to make sense of new information encountered in texts. This prior knowledge, or schema, plays a crucial role in how individuals interpret and understand what they read. When readers approach a text, they activate relevant schemas that help them relate the new information to what they already know, facilitating comprehension and enhancing engagement with the material.

For instance, when a reader encounters a story about a trip to the beach, their previous experiences with the beach inform their understanding of the text. They might recall details about the sensations of sand, the sounds of waves, or interactions with others, which enriches their interpretation of the narrative.

In contrast, other approaches to reading, such as relying solely on memorization or viewing reading as a linear process without any influence from prior knowledge, do not align with the principles of schema theory. Similarly, the idea that comprehension relies exclusively on textual features undermines the importance of a reader’s background knowledge in making meaning from a text.