In the context of cognitive development, what does 'object permanence' mean?

Object permanence refers to the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are not directly observed. This concept is a key milestone in cognitive development, particularly in infants. It signifies that a child recognizes that objects have an existence independent of their immediate perception. For instance, an infant who has developed object permanence will understand that if a toy is hidden under a blanket, it still exists even though it is out of sight.

This understanding typically begins to develop in the sensorimotor stage of cognitive development, which occurs from birth to about two years of age. Mastering object permanence is crucial as it lays the foundation for further cognitive processes, including memory and problem-solving, and demonstrates a growing awareness of the world around the child.

The other options focus on different aspects of cognitive development, such as categorization, understanding relationships, and memorization, but none capture the essence of object permanence as the awareness of an object's continued existence outside of direct visual perception.