What cognitive process involves modifying existing schemas to incorporate new information?

The correct answer identifies the cognitive process known as accommodation, which is fundamental in how individuals adapt their understanding of the world when they encounter new information that does not fit into their existing schemas.

Accommodation occurs when one adjusts or modifies their current schemas to integrate and make sense of new experiences or information. For example, when a child learns that not all animals with four legs are dogs, they might modify their schema for "dog" to understand that there are other types of animals as well, such as cats or horses. This process is essential for cognitive development, as it allows for more complex and nuanced understanding of the environment.

In contrast, assimilation refers to the process of fitting new information into existing schemas without altering them. For example, if a child who already understands dogs sees a dog for the first time, they will simply add this experience to their existing schema of what a dog is, rather than changing their understanding of what constitutes a dog.

Transference and countertransference are terms primarily used in psychotherapy contexts to describe the projection of feelings and attitudes from one person to another, typically between the patient and therapist, and do not relate to the cognitive adjustment of schemas. Thus, understanding accommodation is crucial for recognizing how individuals learn and adapt to new information throughout