Young Eli, only a bit over 18 months of age, has been fooled by his parents. In order to get him to willingly take a children's chewable vitamin every day, his parents have taught him that it is a "lolly". Now, whenever Eli sees any product that is small and brightly coloured, he says "lolly! YUMMM!" and tries to put it into his mouth. Eli's attempt to make new stimuli consistent with his existing mental structures is an example of ________.
A)centration
B)egocentrism
C)accommodation
D)assimilation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eli's attempt to fit new stimuli (small, brightly coloured things) into his existing mental structure (what he knows about "lolly") is an example of assimilation, which is the process of fitting new experiences into existing mental structures or schemas.

Young Eli, Only a Bit Over 18 Months of Age