Accommodation, or adjustment, refers to the process by which individuals modify their existing cognitive frameworks to incorporate new information or experiences. This concept is a key component of Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, where it complements assimilation, the process of integrating new information into existing schemas.
In practical terms, accommodation occurs when a person encounters information that does not fit their current understanding. For example, if a child learns that not all four-legged animals are dogs, they must adjust their mental framework to include other animals like cats or horses. This adjustment helps enhance their understanding of the world.