Texas PPR (Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities) Practice Test

What is the term that describes understanding new experiences in terms of existing schemes?

1. Adaptation

2. Assimilation

3. Disequilibrium

4. Equilibration

The correct answer is: Assimilation

The term that describes understanding new experiences in terms of existing schemes is assimilation. This concept, introduced by psychologist Jean Piaget, refers to the process where individuals integrate new information and experiences into their pre-existing cognitive frameworks or schemes. Rather than altering or creating new frameworks, assimilation allows learners to interpret new data and situations based on what they already know. For example, when a child who has learned about dogs encounters a new breed they’ve never seen before, they may still categorize the new breed as a dog because it shares characteristics with their existing understanding of dogs. This process is crucial in learning and development, as it enables individuals to build upon their current knowledge base. In contrast, adaptation involves both assimilation and accommodation, where the latter refers specifically to adjusting existing schemes or creating new ones in response to new experiences. Disequilibrium refers to the cognitive imbalance that can occur when new information doesn't fit into existing schemes, prompting the need for accommodation or reassessment. Equilibration is the overall process of balancing assimilation and accommodation to create a stable understanding of the world.