In child development, what term describes when a child is able to mentally represent an object that is not present?

The correct term that describes when a child is able to mentally represent an object that is not present is associated with the concept of mental symbols. This ability reflects a significant cognitive development milestone in a child's growth, typically occurring around the age of two to three years, when children start to use symbols or mental representations to stand in for objects, events, or experiences.

For instance, a child might use a toy phone to mimic a conversation, demonstrating that they can think about and represent something (the act of talking on a phone) even when the actual object or activity is not physically present. This capacity lays the foundation for further cognitive development, such as language acquisition and imaginative play, and is crucial for learning and understanding abstract concepts later on.

Other terms relate to different aspects of cognitive development. Object permanence refers to the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, which typically develops around eight months of age. Symbolic play involves engaging in play where one object represents another, but it is a practical demonstration of the ability to use mental symbols. Concrete operations is a developmental stage that occurs later, focused on logical thinking about concrete objects rather than abstract concepts.