Texas PPR (Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities) Practice Test

The correct answer is defined as adaptation, which refers to the way individuals modify their cognitive frameworks in response to new experiences and environmental changes. In the context of cognitive development, adaptation involves two key processes: assimilation and accommodation.

Assimilation occurs when we integrate new information into existing schemas, allowing us to make sense of new experiences without altering our established understanding. In contrast, accommodation happens when the new information is so different or complex that we must change or create new schemas to incorporate it effectively. The interplay between these two processes exemplifies how adaptation enables individuals to navigate their surroundings more effectively.

This concept is foundational in developmental psychology, particularly in understanding how people learn and grow intellectually over time. Adaptation ensures that individuals remain cognitively flexible and responsive to the dynamic nature of their environment, facilitating ongoing learning and development.