Which process involves the adjustment of existing schemas based on new experiences?

The process that involves the adjustment of existing schemas based on new experiences is accommodation. This concept, introduced by psychologist Jean Piaget, refers to the way individuals modify their cognitive frameworks or mental models when they encounter new information or experiences that do not fit into their current understanding.

When a child or learner experiences something new that challenges their existing schemas, they must adapt by altering those schemas to integrate the new knowledge. For example, if a child understands the concept of "dog" as a four-legged animal and meets a cat for the first time, they may initially try to classify the cat as a dog (assimilation). However, upon realizing that cats are different from dogs, they will accommodate by adjusting their schema to better differentiate between the two animals.

This process is crucial for cognitive development, as it allows individuals to grow and refine their understanding of the world around them.