Assimilation is a cognitive process in psychology that involves incorporating new information into existing knowledge or belief systems. It's a flexible way of thinking that helps people adjust to new situations and challenges.
Here are some examples of assimilation:
Learning the word "dog"
A child learns the word "dog" for their family pet and then begins to call other similar-looking dogs "dogs".
Learning a second language
A child learns a second language at school and learns to speak it in the appropriate social setting.
Encountering small furry animals
A child encounters small furry animals that look like a cat and assimilates them into their schema of a cat.
Assimilation is part of the adaptation process and works in tandem with accommodation. Accommodation is the restructuring of old ideas to include new experiences.
Swiss developmental psychologist Jean Piaget is known for his theory of cognitive development in children and the concept of assimilation.
