Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

In Piaget's theory, how would a child demonstrate problem-solving in the tertiary circular reactions stage?

1. By successfully pulling a stick through the bars on the first attempt.

2. By giving up quickly if presented with a challenge.

3. By requiring multiple attempts and learning through errors.

4. By systematically applying knowledge after a single trial.

The correct answer is: By requiring multiple attempts and learning through errors.

In Piaget's theory, particularly within the sensorimotor stage, the tertiary circular reactions stage occurs between the ages of 12 to 18 months. This stage is characterized by a child's experimentation with their environment and the active exploration of different possibilities. Children demonstrate problem-solving in this stage by engaging in trial-and-error learning. They will often attempt a solution to a problem, observe the outcomes of their actions, and modify their approach based on what they learned from those attempts. This is indicative of their developing cognitive abilities, where they begin to understand that different actions can lead to different results. Thus, the act of requiring multiple attempts and learning through errors illustrates the essence of the tertiary circular reactions. It highlights that children are not only trying to solve problems but are also actively engaged in exploring and understanding how their actions impact their environment. This experimentation leads to improved problem-solving skills as they gain knowledge through experience.