OBJECT PERMANENCE Meaning and
Definition
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Object permanence refers to a cognitive developmental concept that describes a child's ability to understand and acknowledge the existence of an object even when it is no longer within their immediate sensory perception. This developmental milestone signifies the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight or hidden.
During the early stages of infancy, newborns lack object permanence and operate under the assumption that objects cease to exist once they are no longer visible. However, as children reach around 8 to 12 months of age, they begin to develop the cognitive ability to represent and maintain a mental image of the object, even when it is not present in their field of view. This mental representation allows children to understand that objects have a continued existence beyond their sensory perception, leading them to search for hidden objects or anticipate their reappearance.
Object permanence is not only limited to physical objects but can also apply to people and events. It plays a crucial role in a child's cognitive development, as it forms the basis for memory, problem-solving, and understanding cause-effect relationships. The acquisition of object permanence is often linked to improvements in fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and attention span.
In conclusion, object permanence refers to a cognitive milestone during infancy, wherein children develop the ability to understand that items and concepts still exist even when they are no longer visible or present in their immediate environment.
Etymology of OBJECT PERMANENCE
The word "object permanence" combines two terms from psychology and is derived from their respective origins:
1. Object: The term "object" comes from the Latin word "objectum", which means "something that is put before". It refers to something that exists external to the mind, something that can be perceived or sensed.
2. Permanence: The term "permanence" comes from the Latin word "permanens", which is the present participle of "permanere", meaning "to remain". It indicates the state or quality of lasting or being enduringly present.
The combination of these terms, "object permanence", refers to a concept within developmental psychology that signifies a child's understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight or cannot be perceived directly. This concept was introduced by the psychologist Jean Piaget and has been widely used to explain certain cognitive developments in infants and young children.
