Final answer:
The cognitive process of assimilation allows people to place new information in categories that already exist. It helps us make sense of new information by connecting it to what we already know.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cognitive process of assimilation enables individuals to: c. place new information in categories that already exist. Assimilation, according to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, involves incorporating new information or experiences into existing mental frameworks or categories. Rather than creating entirely new mental structures, individuals assimilate new knowledge into pre-existing cognitive schemas. This process aids in the organization and understanding of information by relating it to familiar concepts. It allows individuals to make connections between what they already know and the new information, facilitating the learning process and contributing to the overall development of cognitive structures.