Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

What is the A-not-B error?

1. The tendency to grasp objects parents prefer them not to have

2. The tendency to persist in searching for a hidden object

3. The tendency to search for an object in its previous location

4. The tendency to turn heads away from a sound

The correct answer is: The tendency to search for an object in its previous location

The A-not-B error refers to a specific phenomenon observed in developmental psychology, particularly during the sensorimotor stage (from birth to about 2 years old) as described by Jean Piaget. This error occurs when an infant demonstrates a tendency to search for an object in its previous location rather than where they last saw it being placed. In scenarios involving the A-not-B error, a toy is hidden in location A multiple times, and the infant learns to find it there. However, when the toy is then moved to location B in front of the infant, they still search for it at location A. This behavior illustrates a limitation in cognitive development related to object permanence and the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are not directly viewed. Thus, the correct answer captures this tendency to revert to the previous search area, showcasing how infants' cognitive processes evolve over time. The other options describe different behaviors that do not specifically illustrate the A-not-B error. For instance, the tendency to grasp objects based on preference, persist in searching for a hidden object regardless of location, or turning heads away from a sound are not related to the understanding of object permanence and location memory which are central to the A-not-B phenomenon.