Schemas are like mental blueprints that guide our perception, thinking, and memory. They're the internal maps we use to navigate our world and make sense of things. For example, you have a schema for what to expect when you go to a restaurant - you don't just randomly wander around, right? You know where to sit, how to order, and how to eat your food. Your brain uses these schemas to make everything more efficient and easier to understand.

This duo of researchers found something cool: schemas can influence what you remember or forget. It's like your brain's VIP pass - if the information fits your schema, it's more likely to be remembered. Let's say you're a football fanatic, and you read a book about the history of football. You're likely to remember more details from the book compared to your friend who isn't as into football as you are. Why? Your football schema helps you retain more football-related information!

Here's the tricky part: retrieval of information from your long-term memory may depend on the schema you're using at that time. So, sometimes you might struggle to recall things, but then suddenly, they "jump back" into your mind when something in your surroundings triggers the related schema. Ever forget where you placed your keys, only to remember when you see the bowl you usually toss them in? That's your "keys-schema" being triggered!