Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

What does primary circular reaction in infants primarily involve?

1. Manipulating objects

2. Interacting with caregivers

3. Exploring their own body

4. Reacting to external events

The correct answer is: Exploring their own body

The concept of primary circular reactions refers to a stage in cognitive development, primarily identified by Jean Piaget in his theory of cognitive development for infants. This stage occurs during the sensorimotor period, which spans from birth to about 2 years of age. During primary circular reactions, infants typically engage in behaviors that involve the repetition of actions that originally occurred by chance but are meaningful and pleasurable to the child. These actions are centered on the infant’s own body. For example, an infant may discover that by sucking their thumb, they create a satisfying sensation, leading them to repeat this action intentionally. These reactions are a crucial part of cognitive development as they signify the beginning stages of intentional action and self-exploration. The focus on their own body during this stage highlights how infants learn about cause and effect through their interactions with themselves, laying the foundation for more complex understanding in later stages. In contrast, other options focus on interactions that take place beyond the self, such as manipulating objects or engaging with caregivers, which typically correspond to later stages of development.