Which term describes adjusting existing mental structures in light of new information?

• A. Assimilation
• B. Accommodation
• C. Equilibrium
• D. Disequilibrium

Answer: (B)

Adjusting existing mental structures in light of new information is accommodation. In Piaget’s framework, accommodation means modifying a schema or creating a new one when new data don’t fit what you already know. This is what happens when learners encounter information that challenges their current understanding and they revise their thinking to incorporate it. For example, a child might realize that not all four-legged animals are dogs and then adjust their animal concepts accordingly. This differs from assimilation, which is using current schemas to interpret new information without changing them. Equilibrium is the steady state when assimilation and accommodation balance out, and disequilibrium is the uncomfortable mismatch that often triggers accommodation.