APS
2026 APS Annual Convention · 2026
Schema Learning and Episodic Memory In Childhood
- Ying Lin
Max Planck Institute for Human Development - Marie Schmidt
Max Planck Institute for Human Development - Ruth Post
Max Planck Institute for Human Development - Arina Tolstikhina
Max Planck Institute for Human Development - Stephanie Brock
Max Planck Institute for Human Development - Mariam Gagnidze
Max Planck Institute for Human Development - Chi Ngo
Max Planck Institute for Human Development
Abstract
Schemas are structured knowledge representations that enable generalization, whereas episodic memories preserve specific past instances. We predict uneven developmental profiles between these two complementary abilities: schema learning will be robust in early childhood, whereas discriminating among similar experiences will show larger age-related differences from age 4 to 10.