Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

How should new information be incorporated according to the concept of accommodation?

1. By ignoring existing theories

2. By modifying existing theories

3. By reinforcing existing beliefs

4. By discarding all existing knowledge

The correct answer is: By ignoring existing theories

In the context of the concept of accommodation, the appropriate approach to incorporate new information involves modifying existing theories. Accommodation is a cognitive process first described by psychologist Jean Piaget, in which individuals adjust their pre-existing cognitive frameworks in light of new experiences or information that do not fit within those frameworks. This process allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the world, as it encourages the individual to adapt and refine their existing knowledge rather than ignoring, reinforcing, or discarding what they already know. When new information challenges our existing beliefs or theories, simply ignoring those beliefs would not accommodate the new insights effectively. Instead, individuals need to actively modify their theories to include and make sense of the new information. This adaptation is crucial for fostering deeper learning and understanding, which is the essence of the accommodation process.