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?
A) Animism
B) Ritualism
C) Irreversibility
D) Delayed cognitive development

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Animism is the attribution of lifelike qualities to inanimate objects. By scolding the stairs, the toddler is attributing human characteristics to them. Ritualism is the need to maintain the sameness and reliability. It provides a sense of comfort to the toddler. Irreversibility is the inability to reverse or undo actions initiated physically. Steven is acting in an age-appropriate manner.

Steven, 16 Months Old, Falls Down a Few Stairs