Object Permanence
Definition
Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or otherwise sensed.
Analogy
Think of object permanence like your favorite song. Even when you're not listening to it, you know it still exists and can be played again at any time.
Related terms
Conservation: This is the understanding that certain properties of an object (like volume or mass) remain the same despite changes in the object's appearance.
Schema: A mental framework that helps us organize and interpret information. For example, a child might have a schema about dogs - they have four legs, fur, bark etc.
Cognitive Development: The process by which a child’s understanding of the world changes as a function of age and experience.
"Object Permanence" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (4)
- Which of the following is an example of a lack of object permanence in the sensorimotor stage?
- What is object permanence in cognitive development?
- How does the concept of object permanence, as proposed by Piaget, affect a toddler's reaction to their parent leaving the room?
- How has the concept of 'object permanence' evolved since Jean Piaget's initial research?
Resources
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