Madeline is seven months old. Her mother is eating a cookie and Madeline wants some. Her mother hides the cookie under a napkin, but Madeline is not fooled. She knows the cookie is still there. What does this exemplify?
A stranger anxiety
B reversibility
C object permanence
D egocentrism
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer: C. Object Permanence
Madeline’s ability to understand that the cookie still exists even though it is hidden under a napkin is a classic example of object permanence. This concept is a fundamental part of cognitive development in infants, first described by renowned developmental psychologist Jean Piaget.
What Is Object Permanence?
Object permanence refers to the understanding that objects and people continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or otherwise sensed. According to Piaget, this cognitive milestone typically begins to develop between 4 to 7 months of age and is usually well-established by 8 to 12 months.
In the given scenario, Madeline, at seven months old, demonstrates the awareness that the cookie still exists even though her mother has hidden it from view. This suggests she has begun to develop object permanence—a crucial step that helps infants make sense of the world around them. Before this ability is developed, infants often react as if hidden objects simply cease to exist.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
- A. Stranger Anxiety: This is a form of distress that infants experience when they encounter unfamiliar people, typically emerging around 6 to 8 months. However, it has nothing to do with understanding hidden objects.
- B. Reversibility: This concept refers to the ability to understand that numbers or objects can be changed and then returned to their original state (e.g., 3 + 2 = 5, and 5 – 2 = 3). It appears in the concrete operational stage (around age 7) and is not applicable to a 7-month-old infant.
- D. Egocentrism: This is a feature of preoperational thinking (ages 2–7), where children are unable to view a situation from another person’s perspective. It does not relate to understanding that objects still exist when out of sight.
Conclusion:
Madeline’s behavior exemplifies object permanence, showing early cognitive development and awareness of her environment. This concept marks an important milestone in infant intellectual growth and sets the foundation for more complex thinking later in childhood.