In a Study by Spencer, Smith, and Thelen, 2-Year-Olds Watched

question 26

Essay

In a study by Spencer, Smith, and Thelen, 2-year-olds watched as a toy was buried in a sandbox at Location A. Following a 10-s delay, children searched for the object. After the A trials, children watched as a toy was hidden at Location B, 8 to 10 inches from Location A. In all experiments, children's searches after a 10-s delay were significantly biased in the direction of Location A. Furthermore, this bias toward Location A decreased with repeated trials to Location B, as well as when children completed fewer trials to Location A. Discuss how this behavior relates to the six stages of the decline of egocentrism that Piaget proposed. What does this finding tell us about the validity of Piaget's theory?

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Definitions:

Sexuality

The capacity for sexual feelings and the spectrum of an individual's attractions, behaviors, and identity, often influenced by cultural, psychological, and biological factors.

Implicit Attitudes

Unconscious beliefs or feelings that influence an individual's perceptions and actions towards others or various situations.

Consumer Surveys

A method used by businesses to collect information on customer preferences, behaviors, and satisfaction through questionnaires.

Belief Perseverance

The psychological tendency to maintain one's beliefs even in the face of contradictory evidence or information.