What is schema theory in relation to reading comprehension?

Schema theory plays a crucial role in reading comprehension by emphasizing the importance of prior knowledge in the process of understanding a text. According to this theory, when readers approach a new piece of writing, they do not rely solely on the text itself; instead, they draw upon their existing knowledge, experiences, and beliefs to make sense of the information presented. This background knowledge acts like a mental framework or schema that helps readers connect new information with what they already know, thereby enhancing their understanding and retention of the material.

For example, if a reader has prior knowledge about a particular subject, such as weather patterns, they will be able to more effectively interpret and engage with a text discussing meteorology than someone without that background. This illustrates how schema theory supports the idea that comprehension is not merely a straightforward process of decoding words, but a complex interaction between the text and the reader’s established knowledge and cognitive frameworks.