Final answer:
The correct answer is a. Assimilation, which refers to the integration of new information or experiences with existing cognitive frameworks (schemata) according to Piaget.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Piaget, the process by which a child incorporates new knowledge into existing knowledge is called assimilation. This concept, alongside accommodation, forms the core of Piaget's theory of cognitive development. Assimilation involves integrating new experiences or information into pre-existing cognitive frameworks known as schemata. For example, if a child knows about dogs and encounters a new type of dog, they will assimilate this information into their existing schema for dogs. On the other hand, accommodation occurs when the child's schemata change in response to new information. This might happen if the child encounters an animal that is like a dog but significantly different, like a wolf, leading them to modify their dog schema or create a new one for wolves.
Object permanence is another concept developed by Piaget, which refers to a child's understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or touched. This is a fundamental aspect of cognitive development and distinct from assimilation. Conservation is another Piagetian concept, referring to a child's understanding that altering the appearance of an object does not change its essential properties, such as quantity or volume.