Question: The idea that even if something is out of sight, it still exists is called ________.

Answer: Object permanence.

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Object permanence is the cognitive understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are not in sight. According to Piaget, this key cognitive milestone is typically grasped by around 8 months of age. Before developing this concept, infants behave as if an object that is hidden from view has ceased to exist. Once toddlers (12-24 months old) master object permanence, they demonstrate this understanding through behaviors such as enjoying games like hide-and-seek and realizing that a person who leaves a room will return.

Object Permanence

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Research has found a connection between a delayed  development of object permanence in patients who are later diagnosed with ADHD. Object Permanence aids with healthy attachment in children, so when there is a lack of object permanence, there is a lack of strong attachments. 

Object Permanence and ADHD

Toddlers between 12 and 24 months old exhibit their mastery of object permanence through specific behaviors. Their enjoyment of games like hide-and-seek and their understanding that a person who leaves a room will return are direct results of this cognitive development. Additionally, they demonstrate this concept by pointing to pictures in books and searching in appropriate locations for objects upon request.

Behavioral Indicators of Object Permanence in Toddlers

A 6-month-old infant is happily playing with a colorful rattle. The infant's parent then covers the rattle completely with a small blanket. Based on typical cognitive development for this age, which of the following actions is the infant most likely to take?

To illustrate object permanence, consider showing an adult a toy and then hiding it behind a curtain. The adult understands that the toy still exists, demonstrating object permanence. In contrast, very young infants, who have not yet achieved this cognitive milestone, will act as if the hidden toy no longer exists.

Example of Object Permanence

The exact age at which infants achieve object permanence—the understanding that physical objects continue to exist even when hidden—is a subject of some controversy among developmental psychologists.

Controversy over Object Permanence Achievement Age

To study object permanence, Piaget observed infants' reactions to a toy that was shown to them and then hidden under a blanket. He found that infants who had developed object permanence would reach for the concealed toy, demonstrating they knew it still existed, whereas those without this understanding appeared confused.

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