How Abigail Learned to Pet Her Grandma's Bird

What cognitive process did Abigail need to use? I believe the answer is: Accommodation. Accommodation refers to the process of creating a certain type of compromise that does not fully give us what we actually want. In the case above, what Abigail actually wants is to pet the bird while holding it. But since Abigail couldn't get it, she decided to make a compromise and settle for petting it while it's in the cage.

The Cognitive Process of Accommodation

Accommodation is a term used in psychology and cognitive development to explain how individuals adjust their existing understanding of the world to incorporate new information or experiences. In the case of Abigail and her grandma's bird, Abigail had to go through the process of accommodation to interact with the bird in a way that would not result in being bitten.

Understanding Abigail's Experience

Abigail's initial understanding was that she could hold and pet the bird at the same time. However, when she attempted to do so, the bird nipped her finger as a response to being held. This experience challenged Abigail's existing schema (mental framework) of interacting with animals.

The Process of Accommodation in Action

Instead of persisting in her initial approach, Abigail had to accommodate this new information by adjusting her behavior. She learned that to interact with the bird without getting bitten, she had to pet it while it was in the cage. This adjustment in her behavior represents the cognitive process of accommodation.

The Importance of Accommodation in Cognitive Development

Accommodation plays a crucial role in cognitive development as it allows individuals to adapt and refine their understanding of the world based on new experiences. By engaging in accommodation, individuals can change their existing schemas to better align with reality.

Conclusion

In the case of Abigail and her grandma's bird, Abigail's experience demonstrates the importance of accommodation in adjusting one's behavior and understanding to navigate new situations. Through the cognitive process of accommodation, Abigail was able to learn how to interact with the bird in a way that was safe and enjoyable for both her and the bird.

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