Which cognitive process involves changing one’s framework to incorporate new information?

Prepare for the DSST Lifespan Developmental Psychology Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Ace your test with confidence!

The correct choice is accommodation, which refers to the cognitive process of modifying one's existing frameworks or schemas to incorporate new information. This concept is part of Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, where he describes how individuals learn and adapt to their environment.

When a person encounters new experiences or information that does not fit into their pre-existing understanding, they must adjust their mental frameworks. For instance, if a child who knows that a dog is a furry animal sees a cat for the first time, they might initially think it's just another type of dog. However, when they learn that cats are different from dogs, they accommodate this new information by creating a new schema for cats, separate from their dog schema.

This process is distinct from assimilation, which involves integrating new experiences into existing schemas without changing them. It is also different from adaptation, which encompasses both assimilation and accommodation as part of the learning process. Acculturation, on the other hand, refers to the process of cultural change that occurs when individuals from one cultural group come into contact with another cultural group and adapt to its norms and values.

Understanding accommodation is essential in grasping how cognitive development progresses, highlighting the dynamic nature of learning and the need for flexibility in our thought processes as we encounter new information

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy