Object Permanence means which of the following?

• A. Understanding that an object exists even when it cannot be seen
• B. The same object is viewed from different angles
• C. The ability to name objects
• D. Objects being real only when visible

Answer: (A)

Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they can’t be seen, heard, or touched. This is a foundational skill in early cognitive development. For example, if you hide a toy under a blanket, a child who has developed object permanence will still search for the toy because they know it still exists even though it’s out of sight. This concept is different from recognizing an object from different viewpoints, which is about perceptual constancy, and from naming objects, which involves language. It also isn’t about believing things are real only when visible. Grasping object permanence supports later memory, anticipation, and the beginnings of symbolic thinking.