Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

When can we conclude that children exhibit representational thought?

1. When they recognize faces in photographs.

2. When they use objects in play scenarios.

3. When they solve simple puzzles.

4. When they engage in mimicry during play.

The correct answer is: When they use objects in play scenarios.

Children exhibit representational thought when they use objects in play scenarios, which indicates their ability to understand that one object can represent another. This skill shows that they have moved beyond immediate, concrete experiences and can think symbolically. For instance, when a child uses a block to represent a car or a stick as a sword, they demonstrate an understanding that the physical object can stand in for something else in their imaginative play. Recognizing faces in photographs reflects perceptual skills rather than representational thought. Solving simple puzzles can demonstrate problem-solving abilities but does not necessarily indicate that a child can think abstractly or symbolically about objects. Similarly, engaging in mimicry during play shows imitation skills rather than the cognitive ability to represent and manipulate symbols. Representational thought is fundamentally tied to the capacity for symbolic play, making the use of objects in imaginative scenarios a clear indicator of this developmental milestone.