Examining the Impact of Cognitive Schemas on Entrepreneurial Intention

The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of cognitive schemas on entrepreneurial intention among students in management and business disciplines at Iranian universities. Cognitive schemas, as predefined mental patterns that influence the perception of opportunities, risk assessment, and innovative decision-making, can affect individuals' inclination toward entrepreneurial paths. This study employed a quantitative approach using structural equation modeling. The population consisted of 1800 master's and doctoral students in related fields, from which a sample of 400 individuals was selected using stratified random sampling. Data collection tools included the standardized Mitchell cognitive schema questionnaire (2002), focusing on dimensions of opportunity recognition, risk-taking, and innovation, and the Lumpkin and Dess entrepreneurial intention scale (1996), with reliability confirmed by Cronbach's alpha above 0.87. Data analysis was conducted using SmartPLS4 software. The results indicated that cognitive schemas have a positive and significant impact on entrepreneurial intention. The dimensions of cognitive schemas, including opportunity recognition schema, risk-taking schema, and innovation schema, all had positive effects. The research model explained 55% of the variance in entrepreneurial intention. These findings suggest that strengthening positive cognitive schemas can increase entrepreneurial inclination, which is important for educational policymakers and business managers. The overall conclusion is that cognitive schemas are not only a cognitive structure but also a key predictor of entrepreneurial orientation. It is recommended that educational programs focus on developing entrepreneurial schemas to increase entrepreneurship rates in young communities.