What is defined as the process of interpreting new information in terms of existing schema?

The process of interpreting new information in terms of existing schema is known as assimilation. This concept, rooted in cognitive development theory proposed by Jean Piaget, refers to the way individuals integrate new experiences into their existing frameworks or understandings of the world. When a person encounters a new piece of information, they attempt to fit it into what they already know, thus making sense of the new experience using their pre-existing knowledge.

In contrast, accommodation is the process where existing schemas are altered or new schemas are created to incorporate new information that doesn't fit into existing frameworks. Modification, while it may suggest a change, does not specifically refer to the cognitive processes of integrating or adjusting schemas. Acclimatization generally refers to environmental adjustments rather than cognitive development. Therefore, assimilation specifically captures the essence of interpreting new information using what one already knows.