A child and her mother are walking through an aquarium.The child knows there are such things as fish,but has never seen a starfish before.Upon seeing one,she says "See the fishie." Which term best explains the child's comment?
A)assimilation
B)accommodation
C)egocentrism
D)equilibration

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Assimilation is the process of fitting new experiences into our existing mental schemas or categories. In this scenario, the child has a mental schema for "fish" and is trying to fit the new experience of seeing a starfish into that category, hence calling it a "fishie."

A Child and Her Mother Are Walking Through an Aquarium