Object Permanence
Cognitive function of knowing objects continue to exist when not observed
Knowing that objects continue to exist when they cannot be directly observed or sensed is called “object permanence”1
Function
“This fundamental cognitive skill is important for working memory and allows us to form and retain mental representations of objects”1
“As a cognitive construct, object permanence is intimately connected to perceptual motor experiences including object exploration and self-mobility”1
Measures
A scale was developed to measure object permanence (Object Permanence Scale [OPS])1
Dysfunction
- Compared with typical development, infants with motor delays were also delayed in development of object permanence1
- Infants demonstrated increased understanding over time and as sitting skills improved
References
1.
An M, Marcinowski EC, Hsu LY, et al. Object Permanence and the Relationship to Sitting Development in Infants With Motor Delays. Pediatric Physical Therapy. 2022;34(3):309-316. doi:10.1097/PEP.0000000000000909
Citation
For attribution, please cite this work as:
Yomogida N, Kerstein C. Object Permanence. https://yomokerst.com/The
Archive/Neuroscience/Neurophysiology/Cognition/object_permanence.html