A child may see a dog and say, 'Cat!' because both animals have fur. When corrected, the child may change the scheme for cat to 'furry' and 'pointy ears.' This is an example of

• A. irreversibility.
• B. conservation.
• C. assimilation.
• D. accommodation.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the concept of 'schemas' in cognitive development, which are mental structures that help individuals organize and interpret information.
2. Recognize that 'assimilation' involves integrating new information into existing schemas without changing the schema. For example, calling a dog a 'cat' because both have fur is an attempt to fit new information into an existing schema.
3. Understand that 'accommodation' is the process of altering existing schemas or creating new ones in response to new information that doesn't fit. In this case, the child modifies their schema for 'cat' to include 'furry' and 'pointy ears' after being corrected.
4. Differentiate between 'accommodation' and 'assimilation' by noting that accommodation involves changing the schema, while assimilation involves fitting new information into an existing schema without change.
5. Conclude that the child's adjustment of their schema for 'cat' to include more specific characteristics is an example of accommodation, as it involves changing their understanding to incorporate new information.