primary circular reaction
in Piagetian theory, a type of repetitive action that represents the earliest nonreflexive infantile behavior. For example, in the first months of life, a hungry baby may repeatedly attempt to put a hand in the mouth. This does not result in effective goal-oriented behavior, but it does indicate a primitive link between goal (easing hunger) and action (attempting to suck on the hand). Primary circular reactions develop in the sensorimotor stage, following the activation of such basic reflexes as sucking, swallowing, crying, and moving the arms and legs. See also secondary circular reaction; tertiary circular reaction.