Cliff, a five-year-old, sits on a see-saw for the first time and does not know what to do. He sees another boy sitting on the opposite end of the see-saw laughing and smiling. After a while, Cliff starts laughing and smiling just like the other boy. Cliff's behavior illustrates _____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cliff's behavior illustrates social referencing, which is the process of looking to others to guide one's own reactions and emotions, especially in unfamiliar situations. In this case, Cliff looks to the other boy for cues on how to react to the new experience of sitting on a see-saw.

Cliff, a Five-Year-Old, Sits on a See-Saw for the First