In developmental psychology, what is the definition of object permanence?

• A. The process of learning through observing and imitating others
• B. The tendency to focus on only one aspect of a situation at a time
• C. The understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or touched
• D. The ability to use symbols to represent objects and events

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key concept in the question: object permanence, which is a fundamental idea in developmental psychology.
2. Recall that object permanence refers to a child's understanding of the continued existence of objects even when they are not directly perceivable through the senses.
3. Recognize that this concept is typically developed during the sensorimotor stage of Piaget's theory of cognitive development.
4. Compare the given options to the definition of object permanence to find the one that matches this understanding.
5. Confirm that the correct definition is: 'The understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or touched.'