5 Tertiary Circular Reactions Examples Explained Understanding Tertiary Circular Reactions: Key Examples Tertiary Circular Reactions: Practical Examples Revealed Examples of Tertiary Circular Reactions in Action Tertiary Circular Reactions: 5 Real-World Examples

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Tertiary circular reactions are a fascinating aspect of cognitive development, particularly in infants. These reactions involve a child’s ability to engage in purposeful, repetitive actions to achieve a desired outcome. Understanding these reactions is crucial for parents, educators, and psychologists alike. Below, we explore five practical examples of tertiary circular reactions, shedding light on their significance in child development.
Understanding Tertiary Circular Reactions: Key Examples

Tertiary circular reactions mark a significant milestone in an infant’s cognitive growth. At this stage, children intentionally repeat actions to recreate interesting events or outcomes. This demonstrates their growing awareness of cause and effect. Let’s delve into some real-world examples to better understand this concept.
1. Playing with a Mobile Above the Crib
One classic example is a baby batting at a mobile above their crib. Initially, the movement of the mobile might be accidental. However, once the baby realizes that their actions cause the mobile to move, they begin to repeat the behavior intentionally. This is a clear demonstration of a tertiary circular reaction, as the child is purposefully recreating the desired effect.
💡 Note: This example highlights the child’s emerging understanding of cause and effect, a foundational cognitive skill.
2. Pressing Buttons on a Toy Piano
Another common scenario involves a child pressing buttons on a toy piano to produce sounds. After discovering that pressing a button results in a specific sound, the child will repeatedly press the same button to hear the sound again. This intentional repetition is a hallmark of tertiary circular reactions.
Tertiary Circular Reactions: Practical Examples Revealed

Tertiary circular reactions are not limited to toys or simple objects. They can also be observed in more complex interactions, showcasing the child’s evolving problem-solving skills.
3. Turning Pages in a Book
When a child learns that turning the pages of a book reveals new pictures or stories, they begin to turn the pages intentionally. This behavior demonstrates their ability to anticipate outcomes and act purposefully to achieve them. It’s a clear example of tertiary circular reactions in action.
4. Dropping Objects to Observe the Reaction
Many infants enjoy dropping objects from their high chair or stroller to watch them fall. Once they understand that dropping an object results in a specific sound or movement, they repeat the action. This repetitive behavior is a tertiary circular reaction, reflecting the child’s curiosity and desire to explore their environment.
Examples of Tertiary Circular Reactions in Action

Tertiary circular reactions are a testament to a child’s growing cognitive abilities. They signify the transition from random actions to purposeful, goal-directed behavior. Here’s one more example to illustrate this point.
5. Activating a Musical Toy
When a child discovers that pulling a string on a toy activates music, they will repeatedly pull the string to hear the tune. This intentional action is a prime example of a tertiary circular reaction. It shows the child’s ability to connect their actions with specific outcomes.
Tertiary Circular Reactions: 5 Real-World Examples

To summarize, tertiary circular reactions are a critical stage in cognitive development. They demonstrate a child’s ability to act intentionally and understand cause and effect. Here’s a quick checklist of the examples discussed:
- Batting at a mobile above the crib
- Pressing buttons on a toy piano
- Turning pages in a book
- Dropping objects to observe the reaction
- Activating a musical toy
By recognizing these behaviors, parents and educators can better support a child’s cognitive development, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them. (child development, cognitive milestones, intentional behavior)
What are tertiary circular reactions?
+Tertiary circular reactions are intentional, repetitive actions performed by infants to recreate desired outcomes, demonstrating an understanding of cause and effect.
At what age do tertiary circular reactions typically occur?
+Tertiary circular reactions usually emerge between 7 and 12 months of age, as infants develop greater cognitive awareness.
Why are tertiary circular reactions important?
+These reactions signify a child’s growing ability to act purposefully and understand cause and effect, laying the foundation for problem-solving skills.