Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

What cognitive milestone is typically observed when children engage in pretend play?

1. Recognition of symbolic objects.

2. Development of logical reasoning skills.

3. Increased physical coordination.

4. Understanding complex narratives.

The correct answer is: Recognition of symbolic objects.

When children engage in pretend play, they demonstrate a remarkable cognitive milestone known as the recognition of symbolic objects. This form of play allows children to use one object to represent another, like using a banana as a phone or a box as a car. Such behavior reflects their ability to understand that objects can symbolize something beyond their literal meaning, which is foundational in cognitive development. The capacity for symbolic thinking is crucial as it supports not only imaginative play but also lays the groundwork for more complex cognitive processes such as language development and problem-solving. In contrast, while logical reasoning skills do improve as children grow, they are not primarily fostered through pretend play in the early stages. Similarly, increased physical coordination tends to be tied to motor skills rather than cognitive milestones associated with symbolic play. Understanding complex narratives is an advanced cognitive skill that develops later and is not directly tied to the immediate outcomes of engaging in pretend play. Thus, the recognition of symbolic objects is indeed the most relevant and correct milestone observed during such activities.