AAMC FL Practice Exam

What denotes the cognitive milestone of achieving object permanence?

1. Recognition of a person's identity

2. Understanding that objects continue to exist even when out of sight

3. The ability to categorize objects

4. Knowledge of social norms and ethics

The correct answer is: Understanding that objects continue to exist even when out of sight

The cognitive milestone of achieving object permanence is indicated by the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight. This development typically occurs during the sensorimotor stage of cognitive development, as defined by psychologist Jean Piaget. Around the age of 8 to 12 months, infants begin to realize that objects do not disappear just because they can no longer be seen. This understanding is crucial for further cognitive development as it lays the foundation for more complex cognitive skills. For example, once children have grasped object permanence, they can participate in games like peek-a-boo with a deeper understanding, recognizing that when an adult hides their face, they still exist behind it. This realization fundamentally alters how a child interacts with their environment, leading to more exploration and learning. In contrast, recognition of a person's identity pertains more to social awareness and familiarity rather than cognitive understanding of object permanence. Categorizing objects involves a different cognitive ability that occurs later in development. Knowledge of social norms and ethics is related to moral development and doesn’t pertain to the understanding of object permanence specifically.