Education
Primary Circular Reactions
Primary circular reactions are a concept in developmental psychology, specifically in Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. These reactions occur during the first stage of sensorimotor development, typically between 1 and 4 months of age.
Characteristics of primary circular reactions include:
- Repetition of simple actions centered on the infant’s own body
- Accidental discoveries leading to intentional repetition
- Focus on sensory experiences and motor actions
- Building of early schemas (mental representations)
Examples of primary circular reactions include:
- Thumb sucking
- Grasping objects repeatedly
- Making cooing sounds
These reactions are crucial for early cognitive development, as they help infants begin to understand cause-and-effect relationships and develop a sense of agency in their environment.