In core knowledge theory, which statement about object permanence is supported?

• A. 4.5 month olds have object permanence
• B. Objects move in discontinuous paths
• C. Objects can move through other objects
• D. Objects vanish when hidden from view

Answer: (A)

Object permanence means that objects continue to exist even when they’re not visible. In core knowledge theory, infants are believed to hold basic representations of objects very early, and researchers test this with looking-time tasks that show whether babies expect hidden objects to continue to exist.

By about four to five months, infants show patterns of looking that suggest they anticipate an occluded object still exists when it reappears. This aligns with the idea that they already possess a basic sense of object permanence, not just through later learning but as an early, innate capability.

The other statements don’t fit this understanding. If objects were thought to move along discontinuous paths, that would challenge the expectation of continuous object motion. If objects could move through other objects, that would violate solidity. And if objects vanish when hidden, that directly contradicts the notion that hidden objects continue to exist. So the statement about 4.5 month olds having object permanence is the best-supported option.