What is the term for the process of taking in information from the environment?

The correct answer is assimilation. This term refers specifically to the cognitive process of taking in new information and integrating it into existing knowledge frameworks or schemas. In the context of developmental psychology, particularly in the theories proposed by Jean Piaget, assimilation involves the interpretation of new experiences to fit within the pre-established understanding of the world.

For instance, when a child who already knows about dogs encounters a new breed of dog, they can assimilate this new information into their existing category of what a dog is, understanding it as just another type of dog. This process is fundamental to how individuals learn and adapt to new experiences as they grow and develop.

Understanding this concept is crucial because it highlights how knowledge is constructed and expanded over time, showing the continuous interplay between new experiences and prior knowledge.