Use of a medical ‘schema’ in facilitating access to understanding in psychology

Cognitive models in psychology suggest that knowledge can only be fully comprehended and recalled within the framework of existing schemata. Two experiments are reported which demonstrate how psychological principles may be taught within the schemata available to preclinical medical students. It is suggested that the provision of appropriate schemata makes psychological knowledge more accessible to medical students, and more easily recalled as they move into clinical practice. Increasing the impact of psychology in this way may also encourage greater interest and integration of the subject in the medical curriculum.