Which term refers to a structured mental framework that organizes knowledge?

The term that refers to a structured mental framework that organizes knowledge is "schemata." Schemata are cognitive structures that help individuals organize and interpret information based on previous experiences and knowledge. They serve as tools for understanding the world by categorizing information, allowing for quicker retrieval and comprehension in various contexts, such as communication and social interactions.

Unlike a prototype, which is more about the most typical example within a category, schemata encompass broader organizational patterns that include various prototypes and individual experiences. A concept is more general and can refer to any abstract idea or universal notion rather than a specific framework for organizing knowledge. A model, while it may represent a structured framework, typically refers to a physical or theoretical representation rather than the cognitive organization of knowledge itself. Thus, schemata are foundational in shaping how we process and understand new information by linking it to what we already know.