Assimilation
Definition
Assimilation is a cognitive process where individuals incorporate new information into existing cognitive schemas, perceptions, and understanding.
Analogy
Think of assimilation like adding more books to an already organized bookshelf. The new books (new information) fit into the existing categories (schemas) on your shelf.
Related terms
Schema: A mental framework that helps us organize and interpret information.
Cognitive Development: The construction of thought processes, including remembering, problem solving, and decision-making.
Information Processing Theory: A theory proposing our brains are similar to computers in how we process incoming information, encode it, store it and retrieve it when necessary.
"Assimilation" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (1)
- How would you counter Piaget's belief that assimilation precedes accommodation in cognitive development?
Resources
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