Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

According to Piaget, which ability indicates that a child is engaging in representational thought?

1. Making interesting sights last.

2. Performing circular reactions.

3. Engaging in pretend play.

4. Understanding object permanence.

The correct answer is: Engaging in pretend play.

Engaging in pretend play is a key indicator of representational thought in children, according to Piaget. This type of play illustrates a child's capacity to use symbols—such as using a stick as a sword or pretending a box is a car. Representational thought enables children to think about objects and events beyond their immediate experiences and to represent reality through imagination. This ability signifies that the child can separate their representation from the reality, showcasing cognitive development that allows for a deeper understanding of the world around them. In contrast, while making interesting sights last, performing circular reactions, and understanding object permanence are all important aspects of cognitive development, they do not specifically demonstrate the ability to represent concepts symbolically, which is central to pretended or imaginative play.