What is the term for modifying existing theories based on new information?

The term for modifying existing theories based on new information is accommodation. Accommodation occurs when individuals adjust their understanding of the world to incorporate new information that does not fit their current mental frameworks or theories. This process is crucial in cognitive development, as it allows individuals to refine their beliefs and perspectives in light of new experiences or data.

In contrast, assimilation involves integrating new information into an existing framework without changing the original structure significantly. Dual processing refers to the theory that there are two systems of thinking: one that is fast and intuitive, and another that is slower and more analytical. Schema adjustment, while related, is a broader concept that may encompass both assimilation and accommodation but does not specifically indicate the modification of existing theories as accommodation does.