assimilation
learning and psychology
Quick Summary
Assimilation, in psychology, refers to how individuals integrate new information into their existing mental frameworks, known as schemata. This process is part of achieving cognitive equilibrium, a balance between what we know and new experiences.1
There are two main ways assimilation is understood:
- Learning and Understanding: Assimilation is the act of learning or gaining understanding. For example, a dog quickly assimilating new tricks. It also involves trying to grasp new information, like understanding a doctor's diagnosis.23
- Fitting In: Assimilation can also mean fitting in or conforming, such as when individuals try to assimilate into a new culture. This can involve making new information fit existing mental categories, sometimes leading to errors if the new information doesn't quite match.21
Assimilation is a precursor to accommodation, which is the process of changing existing mental structures to better fit new information.1
Summary created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
5 Britannica Sources
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
