Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight or reach. It is a significant developmental milestone for infants and young children, as it allows them to recognize and anticipate the presence of objects and people in their environment. According to Piaget's stage theory of cognitive development, object permanence is achieved during the sensorimotor stage, which occurs around 8-12 months of age. However, research has shown that infants may demonstrate some understanding of object permanence as early as 4 months old. Piaget - Object permanence failure (Sensorimotor Stage)

In addition to recognizing that objects continue to exist when they are out of sight, another aspect of object permanence is the understanding of invisible displacement. Infants and young children gradually develop the ability to comprehend that objects can be moved from their original position and still exist in a new location, even if they did not witness the actual movement. This understanding demonstrates their growing awareness that objects have an independent existence in space and can undergo spatial transformations. As their object permanence skills advance, children become capable of mentally representing the displacement of objects, which lays the foundation for more complex cognitive processes, including mental imagery, problem-solving, and planning. The development of the concept of invisible displacement further solidifies their understanding of the stability and continuity of objects in their environment.

Developing object permanence allows infants to engage in meaningful play, form attachments to objects and people, and understand cause-and-effect relationships. It also serves as the foundation for more advanced cognitive skills, such as problem-solving and spatial reasoning. Overall, object permanence is a crucial aspect of cognitive development that enables infants and young children to understand and interact with their surroundings.

In summary, object permanence is recognizing that objects still exist even when they are not seen and is developed during early childhood.

Quiz questions:

1. True/False: Children with object permanence understand that objects continue to exist even when they are not visible.
1. true
2. false

2. Fill in the blank: The ability to recognize and distinguish between different objects is a characteristic of ______________.
3. Creativity
   
4. Memory
   
5. Emotion
   
6. object permanence
7. Intelligence
   
8. Perception
   

3. Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of object permanence?

1. The ability to understand that objects continue to exist even when they are not visible
   

2. The ability to recognize and distinguish between different objects
   

3. The ability to imagine and represent objects in the mind
   

4. The ability to walk and run without tripping

READ MORE:

https://www.simplypsychology.org/Object-Permanence.html

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2007-10742-000

https://www.jstor.org/stable/1130803