Assimilation is a cognitive process that takes place when a person acquires new knowledge and fits it into what they already know. It is a mental shortcut that allows individuals to process and categorize large amounts of information at once. Assimilation is one of two ways people absorb knowledge, according to psychologists. It involves the adjustment of a schema by adding information similar to what is already known. This process can occur through innate schemas, such as reflexes, or previously acquired schemas.
Assimilation is necessary for the continuous development of mental structures and the integration of new elements into these structures. However, biological assimilation cannot exist without accommodation, which involves changing ones existing knowledge of a topic. Accommodation allows structures to adapt to individual circumstances, while assimilation assures that structures are continuous and that new elements can be integrated into these structures.
Examples of assimilation in psychology include processing new cultural experiences with the existing knowledge base, blending two cultures, and deciding to use a popular application or type of social media to communicate with friends and family all over the world.
In summary, assimilation is a cognitive process that involves incorporating new information and experiences into pre-existing ideas or viewpoints. It is necessary for the continuous development of mental structures and the integration of new elements into these structures.
