Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

According to Piaget's theory, what are the basic units of psychological functioning?

1. Operants

2. Conditioned reflexes

3. Schemas

4. Adaptations

The correct answer is: Schemas

In Piaget's theory of cognitive development, schemas are identified as the fundamental units of psychological functioning. A schema can be understood as a mental structure or framework that organizes and interprets information. Through schemas, individuals are able to classify and respond to their experiences, enabling them to make sense of the world around them. As children encounter new experiences, they connect these experiences to their existing schemas or develop new ones, a process that is essential for cognitive growth. Schemas evolve and change over time through two key processes: assimilation and accommodation. Assimilation involves integrating new information into existing schemas, while accommodation refers to adjusting schemas when new information cannot be assimilated. This adaptability is crucial as it allows for a more refined understanding of experiences and promotes cognitive development as children move through different stages of development. Other options, such as operants or conditioned reflexes, relate more to behavioral psychology, focusing on behaviors rather than cognitive structures. Adaptations also play a role in Piaget's theory, but they refer more broadly to the overall process of adjusting to the environment rather than the basic units involved in psychological functioning. Thus, schemas are indeed the correct answer as they are central to Piaget's concept of how we process and understand our experiences.