Define the terms assimilation and accommodation. Describe one way in which these processes are similar and one way in which they are different
What will be an ideal response
With assimilation, we interpret new experiences so that they fit in with our existing ideas. With
accommodation, we have to change our old ideas as a result of new experiences. Answers will vary,
but similarities include the fact that new information puts old ideas into disequilibrium and the goal is to return to equilibrium. Differences include that changing of old ideas is a necessity for
accommodation but not assimilation.
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A group of eight 5-year-olds are playing together. Given the research on play, what might you guess about the gender mix of this group of children?
a. They are likely to be girls. b. They are probably a mixed-sex group. c. It depends upon how the parents have raised them as to what the gender mix would be. d. They are likely to be boys.
Which of the following is not accurate regarding adolescents who attempt or commit suicide:
A. They often express the wish to die or threaten suicide. B. There are often precipitants of suicide. C. They make a threat to commit suicide. D. They show no signs of behavioral or psychological problems.
Dr. Littman-Smith is conducting research in Kenya to learn about the ways that mothers and their toddlers interact as they go about their day. It is most likely that she is engaged in
a. naturalistic observation. b. laboratory observation. c. exploratory research. d. experimental research.
When Maynard and Greenfield (2003) tested concrete operations in Los Angeles and Mexico, what did they find?
a. Children in Los Angeles performed better than Mayan children on both traditional and culturally adapted concrete operational tasks. b. There were no differences in performance on traditional concrete operational tasks between Mayan children and children in Los Angeles. c. Mayan children performed better than children in Los Angeles on the culturally adapted concrete operational tasks. d. Mayan children performed better than children in Los Angeles on both traditional and culturally adapted concrete operational task.