Kiara is a 2-month-old infant. Her mother informs Kiara's pediatrician that during the first month after birth, Kiara sucked when a bottle or nipple touched her lips and that currently she sucks even when no bottle or nipple is present nearby. In the context of Jean Piaget's sensorimotor stage of development, Kiara is most likely in Jean Piaget's ________ substage of sensorimotor development.
A) coordination of secondary circular reactions
B) first habits and primary circular reactions
C) tertiary circular reactions, novelty, and curiosity
D) secondary circular reactions

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Kiara's behavior of sucking even when no bottle or nipple is present nearby is characteristic of the first substage of Jean Piaget's sensorimotor stage, known as the "first habits and primary circular reactions" substage. During this substage, infants repeat enjoyable behaviors that result from their own movements and sensations (primary circular reactions). Kiara's sucking behavior could be a form of self-soothing and a way to regulate her senses.

Kiara Is a 2-Month-Old Infant