Schemata influence how we perceive more complex social situations. To understand the variability we show in our schemata and how our own perceptions of the world may be influenced by our previous...

Schemata influence how we perceive more complex social situations. To understand the variability we show in our schemata and how our own perceptions of the world may be influenced by our previous experiences, indicate how you would interpret the following situations. Then ask one or two friends how they would interpret the same situations. Are there differences?

1 Someone you barely know suddenly becomes very friendly and helpful, even offering to run errands for you and lend you money.

2 Your closest friend is uncharacteristically withdrawn and quiet.

3 You have a choice as to which of the following people you will have dinner with: an artist, an accountant, a car mechanic, a nuclear physicist. What would you expect the dinner conversation to be like with each? Which would you choose? Is your choice based on a stereotype, or some personal schema?