Final answer:
A schema, as defined by Piaget, is a mental model that helps in categorizing and interpreting information, which adjusts over time through assimilation and accommodation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Concept of Schema According to Piaget
A schema in the context of Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development is a concept (mental model) that assists in categorizing and interpreting information. During the stages from infancy to adulthood, as outlined by Piaget in his developmental stages, individuals develop various schemata to better understand their world. This mental framework enables efficient organization and processing of information.
Schemata are adjusted through two primary processes: assimilation and accommodation. Assimilation refers to the integration of new information that aligns with existing schemas. In contrast, accommodation requires altering existing schemata in response to new information, allowing for a dynamic adaptation to one's environment and fostering cognitive growth.
For example, if a child knows the concept of a 'bird,' they would assimilate new information upon seeing a sparrow, as it fits their 'bird schema.' However, if they encounter a bat and are told it can fly but is not a bird, they might need to accommodate this information by modifying their existing schema to include different flying animals.