assimilation
uh-sim-uh-LAY-shun
/əˌsɪmɪˈleɪʃən/
The cognitive process of fitting new information into existing mental schemas without altering those schemas.
In Piagetian theory, assimilation contrasts with accommodation (adjusting existing schemas to fit new realities).
The story behind the word. From Latin 'assimilatio', derived from 'assimilare' (to make similar), built from 'ad-' (to) and 'similis' (like). In psychology, Jean Piaget adapted it to describe making new experiences similar to existing thoughts.
Word relationships
- integration: 'Integration' means blending components into a whole; 'assimilation' specifically means fitting data into existing mental structures.
- absorption: 'Absorption' is general taking in of ideas; 'assimilation' requires cognitive schema processing.
- accommodation: Accommodation in cognitive psychology is modifying existing mental schemas to adapt to new conflicting information.
Commonly confused with
- accommodation: Assimilation fits new data into existing mental ideas; accommodation updates mental ideas to fit new conflicting data.
Word family
- assimilate (verb): To take in and incorporate new information.
Collocations
- cognitive assimilation
- assimilation and accommodation
- process of assimilation
- schema assimilation
Example sentences
- "When a toddler calls a four-legged goat a 'doggy', they demonstrate cognitive assimilation." Cognitive theory monograph
- "Mental growth requires a balance between cognitive assimilation of new concepts and accommodation of new structures." Developmental psychology lecture
Memory hook
Assimilation makes new information SIMILAR to what you already know. Fit new ideas into similar old slots.
When not to use
Do not confuse with cultural assimilation (absorbing ethnic groups) when writing strictly about cognitive theory.
Fun facts
- Piaget borrowed 'assimilation' from biological digestion, where food is broken down and absorbed into existing bodily tissue.
Related words
Explore more words
assimilate, integrate, acculturation, homogenization, diffusion, internalization
Also appears in
- Relationships → Peer Pressure & Conformity
- Travel & Culture → Cultural Diversity & Customs
- Travel & Culture → Cultural Globalization
- Demographics & Urban Studies → Rural-to-Urban Migration
- Demographics & Urban Studies → Indigenous Populations
- Sociology & Social Anthropology → Tribal Communities & Integration
- Sociology & Social Anthropology → Cultural Assimilation & Pluralism
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