What does the coordination of secondary reactions (8-12 months) entail?

The coordination of secondary reactions, which occurs between the ages of 8 to 12 months, signifies a crucial stage in cognitive development. During this period, infants begin to demonstrate more complex behaviors that are not just reflexive but intentional. They integrate previously learned actions to achieve specific goals, indicating a growing understanding of cause and effect.

For example, a child might learn that by reaching for a toy, they can pull it closer to themselves, or that by pushing a button, they can produce sounds or activate a toy. This development reflects an increased ability to coordinate different movements purposefully. The shift from simple, reactive behaviors to more considered actions is key to cognitive growth in infants and leads to further advancements in problem-solving and interaction with their environment.