Which term describes the process of modifying schemas to fit new information?

Which term describes the process of modifying schemas to fit new information?

• A. Assimilation
• B. Accommodation
• C. Schemas
• D. Object permanence

Answer: (B)

Modifying existing mental schemas to fit new information is accommodation. In Piaget's theory, schemas are the mental frameworks we use to organize knowledge. When new information can’t be neatly fit into an existing schema, accommodation changes that schema so it can include the new information. For example, a child who thinks all four-legged animals are dogs will eventually meet animals like cats that don’t fit, and they adjust by creating or modifying the category so cats are recognized as a different kind of four-legged animal. This differs from assimilation, which would have the child fitting the new animal into the existing dog category without changing the schema. Object permanence is about understanding that objects continue to exist even when not seen, not about changing schemas.

Modifying existing mental schemas to fit new information is accommodation. In Piaget's theory, schemas are the mental frameworks we use to organize knowledge. When new information can’t be neatly fit into an existing schema, accommodation changes that schema so it can include the new information. For example, a child who thinks all four-legged animals are dogs will eventually meet animals like cats that don’t fit, and they adjust by creating or modifying the category so cats are recognized as a different kind of four-legged animal. This differs from assimilation, which would have the child fitting the new animal into the existing dog category without changing the schema. Object permanence is about understanding that objects continue to exist even when not seen, not about changing schemas.