FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What term describes the process of modifying existing schemas or creating new ones to accommodate new information, according to Piaget?

1. Assimilation

2. Accommodation

3. Equilibration

4. Introspection

The correct answer is: Accommodation

The term that describes the process of modifying existing schemas or creating new ones to accommodate new information, according to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, is accommodation. When individuals encounter information that does not fit their existing schemas, they must adjust those schemas to incorporate this new information. This process allows for a more accurate understanding of the world as it evolves and becomes more complex. Accommodation is key in Piaget's theory, as it represents the adaptability of cognitive structures in response to learning experiences. In contrast, assimilation involves integrating new information into existing schemas without changing them. Equilibration refers to the balance between assimilation and accommodation as individuals develop their cognitive abilities. Introspection is a reflective process of examining one's thoughts and feelings, which is not directly related to Piaget's concepts of cognitive adaptation.