Author Question: Describe a standard test that a developmentalist might use to determine whether an infant has ... (Read 68 times)

Diane · **on:** Jun 22, 2018

Describe a standard test that a developmentalist might use to determine whether an infant has attained object permanence. Why might the test not work? Use your answer to explain why some of Piaget's findings have been challenged by other researchers.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What are affordances, and how do they help infants adjust to the world?

What will be an ideal response?

cassie_ragen · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Look for answers that describe a standard test (toy under blanket, dish behind furniture
or tester's back), and note factors that would influence success that Piaget did not
consider, such as the child's motivation to search and familiarity with the objects used.
Mention might also be made of memory, a factor Piaget does not discuss.

Answer to Question 2

Affordances are all the different ways in which we can understand and use an object.
By trying different affordances, infants can understand what an object looks like, tastes
like, smells like, etc. Further, infants can find different ways to use or to interact with
the object.