Cognitive accommodation
Cognitive accommodation is modifying existing thinking patterns when new information does not fit existing beliefs.
Definition
In Piaget's theory, accommodation means changing existing cognitive schemas or creating new ones when new information cannot be meaningfully incorporated into the current way of understanding. It complements assimilation, in which a person fits new data to already existing structures. Accommodation is important for learning, critical thinking, and mature belief change.
Key ideas
- Updating cognitive schemas
- Openness to contradictory data
- Development through correction of beliefs
Practice and life
When you come across information that is contrary to your view, write down: what I know, what I don't know and how I need to change my understanding of the topic.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to defend identity at the expense of facts. Forced assimilation of data also often occurs, i.e. interpreting everything so that the old pattern does not have to change.
> Learning begins where the old pattern ceases to be sufficient.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- Which thinking pattern of mine needs updating?
- What data contradicts my current interpretation?
- What will change in my performance after this correction?