symbolic function

in Piagetian theory, the cognitive ability to mentally represent objects that are not in sight. For example, a child playing with a toy can mentally picture and experience the toy even after it has been taken away and he or she can no longer see it. Symbolic function emerges early in the preoperational stage and is expressed through deferred imitation, language, symbolic play, and mental imagery. Also called semiotic function.

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Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

health activities questionnaire

any questionnaire designed to measure an individual’s current repertoire of health-related behaviors. In health care there is an increased emphasis on prevention, and many inventories exist to measure an individual’s compliance with physical activity, dietary control, preventive inoculations, and screening for potential health problems, such as mammography and prostate or colon cancer testing.