What does the term "cognitive-schema" refer to in psychology?

The term "cognitive-schema" refers to a mental framework that organizes and interprets information. Schemas are internal representations that help individuals understand and predict events and behaviors in their environment. They act as cognitive shortcuts, allowing for efficient processing of information by categorizing new experiences based on prior knowledge and beliefs.

Cognitive schemas play a crucial role in how we perceive the world and respond to it, as they influence attention, memory, and even social interactions. For example, if someone has a schema for what a dog looks like, they can quickly identify and categorize any dog they encounter based on that pre-existing mental framework. This ability to organize information efficiently is essential for cognitive functioning and helps in navigating complex environments.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of cognitive schemas. Emotional responses relate to feelings rather than cognitive processing or organization. A biological process of information retention would pertain more to memory systems rather than the mental frameworks that help interpret information. Learning through trial and error is a behavioral process and does not involve the mental frameworks used for understanding and organizing knowledge.