What exemplifies assimilation in cognitive development?

Assimilation in cognitive development refers to the process where individuals integrate new information into their existing cognitive frameworks or schemas without altering the structure of those schemas. By recognizing trucks based on her existing schema, Ainsley is taking a new experience and fitting it into what she already knows. This aligns perfectly with the concept of assimilation, where the existing knowledge base is used to interpret new information.

In this context, it illustrates how individuals learn and adapt to their environment while relying on prior knowledge. Assimilation allows for a smoother integration of new experiences, enhancing understanding without the need to modify existing concepts fundamentally. This approach is critical in cognitive development, as it promotes a continuous expansion of knowledge by incorporating new inputs within established mental models.