symbolic play

a form of play in which the child uses objects as representations of other things. For example, a child may put a leash on a stuffed animal, take it for a walk, and attempt to feed it. Symbolic play may or may not be social. See also imaginary companion.

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Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

paradigm clash

in science or philosophy, the conflict that occurs when a new set of fundamental assumptions about reality or human knowledge proves incompatible with an established set of such assumptions. For example, the doctrine of organic evolution challenged established thinking about the origin and nature of the living world and ultimately replaced previous theories.