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How does accommodation differ from assimilation in knowledge processing?

  1. Accommodation adjusts existing schemas to fit new information

  2. Accommodation involves ignoring new information

  3. Accommodation replaces old schemas entirely

  4. Accommodation is not related to knowledge processing

The correct answer is: Accommodation adjusts existing schemas to fit new information

Accommodation is a key concept in cognitive development that refers to the process by which individuals adjust their existing mental frameworks, or schemas, to incorporate new information that does not fit neatly into these pre-existing structures. This is essential for learning and adapting to new experiences. When a person encounters new information that cannot be understood within the constraints of their current schemas, accommodation allows them to transform those schemas. For instance, if a person has a schema for dogs that only includes small breeds and then encounters a large breed for the first time, they may need to modify their schema about dogs to include this new information. In contrast to the other choices, accommodation does not involve ignoring new information or simply replacing old schemas. Instead, it reflects a more nuanced and constructive process of incorporating new understanding while retaining the foundational elements of previous knowledge. In this manner, accommodation plays a vital role in expanding one's comprehension and facilitating effective learning.