Steven, 16 months old, falls down a few stairs. He gets up and "scolds" the stairs as if they caused him to fall. This is an example of which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Steven's behavior is an example of animism, which is attributing life-like qualities to inanimate objects. In this case, he is treating the stairs as if they were capable of causing his fall, a common cognitive characteristic in young children's thinking.

Steven, 16 Months Old, Falls Down a Few Stairs