schema

A mental framework or pattern of thought that organises categories of information and the relationships between them; in computing/databases, the structure that defines data organisation.

• schemata/ˈskiːmətə/(pl)图式们
• schematic/skɪˈmætɪk/(adj)图式的

• cognitive schema
• schema theory
• schema activation
• schema change
• database schema
• mental schema

1. 1.A child's "dog" schema might initially include all four-legged animals — encountering a cat forces the schema to differentiate and become more precise. (mental framework)
2. 2.Stereotypes are schemas gone rigid — mental shortcuts that categorise people based on group membership instead of individual characteristics. (overgeneralised framework)

• framework/ˈfreɪmwɜːrk/— structural plan
• template/ˈtɛmplɪt/— a pattern for making something
• mental model (internal representation)

from Greek "schema" (form, figure, appearance) — from "ekhein" (to have, to hold) — the form that holds knowledge together