Skip to content

Child Quote by Keith J. Devlin

“a baby’s failure to reach for an object hidden under a blanket does not support the rather dramatic conclusion that the baby thinks the object has ceased to exist. Perhaps he simply does not yet have sufficient hand-arm coordination to reach for a hidden object. In fact, we now know that this…” quote by Keith J. Devlin
Download Open image
““a baby’s failure to reach for an object hidden under a blanket does not support the rather dramatic conclusion that the baby thinks the object has ceased to exist. Perhaps he simply does not yet have sufficient hand-arm coordination to reach for a hidden object. In fact, we now know that this explanation is correct. Recent experiments, more sophisticated than Piaget’s, indicate that even very young babies have a well-developed sense of object permanency.””

Keith J. Devlin

About This Quote

Early infant failures to locate hidden objects reflect developing motor skills, not a lack of object permanence understanding.

In simple terms: Babies' motor limits, not cognition, cause search failures.

Key Takeaway

Consider developmental motor milestones.

Themes

child development object permanence motor skills psychology cognitive development

Mood

observant supportive

Type

educational analytical

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • early education
  • research design

Key Concepts

developmental psychology Piagetian theory motor coordination studies

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can caregivers support motor skill growth?
  • What assessments reveal early motor abilities?
A Different Perspective

Motor skill development varies widely among infants.

2.8 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Keith J. Devlin

Explore all 11 Keith J. Devlin quotes

More Child quotes

Browse all 2,326 Child quotes