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RESEARCH

PUBLISHED

June 5, 2024

Object Permanence

Authors:

Ho Siew Yin

Source:

Internal Study

Type:

Expert Article

Subjects:

Infant care, Object Permanence

Keywords:

Infants, Memory, Object permanence


Abstract:

Object permanence is a crucial milestone in a child's cognitive development, first identified by Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget. It refers to a child's understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are not visible or audible, such as when an infant throws a toy from their crib. This ability is important because it allows children to form and retain mental representations of objects, contributing to the development of their working memory. A strong working memory is essential for the development of literacy and mathematical skills. Mastery of object permanence is a gradual process that unfolds over time. While it's not possible to directly teach object permanence, caregivers can plan activities that naturally support its development in children.


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