Schemas and Adaptation Theory Theories from Piaget Schemas
- Slides: 8
Schemas and Adaptation Theory - Theories from Piaget
Schemas Basic mental structure into which the information one receives from the environment is organized - Bukatko & Daehler, 2001 n Earlier schemas set the stage for constructing new and more sophisticated schemas - Bukatko n & Daehler, 2001 n Never stop changing and are constantly refined through a process of adaptation
Adaptation Involves constructing schemas through direct interaction with the environment n Consists of two complementary activities that involve moving from a cognitive state of disequilibrium to a cognitive state of equilibrium: – Assimilation – Accommodation n Results in equilibration n Bukatko & Daehler, 2001
Assimilation The individual cognitively adapts to and organizes information by using current, pre-existing schemas (representing current ways of understanding) to interpret experiences and the external world n Ongoing process n
Disequilibrium Contradiction and conflict to a pre-existing schema that promotes cognitive change; imbalance between what is understood and what is encountered n Opportunities to grow and develop are present n Implementation of assimilation and accommodation to create a cognitive balance (equilibrium) between thinking and reality n
Accommodation Changes in behavior and thinking take place when new information no longer fits into old ways of understanding (the old schemas) n Existing schemas change to accommodate new information or new schemas are created that contain the new information n Intellectual capacities become re-shaped and reorganized as the child attempts to adjust n Thinking becomes more sophisticated n Bukatko & Daehler, 2001
Equilibrium n Cognitive balance that is restored through the process of assimilation and accommodation
Equilibration Process by which assimilation and accommodation bring about more organized and powerful schemas for thinking n More adaptive and sophisticated ways of thinking develop as the child tries to make sense of his world through a continual process of assimilation and accommodation n Bukatko & Daehler, 2001
