Which scenario illustrates social referencing?

Which scenario illustrates social referencing?

• A. The child ignores the caregiver and explores independently
• B. The child takes the toy without looking
• C. The child looks to the caregiver for a facial expression before approaching the toy
• D. The child cries because the toy is new

Answer: (C)

Social referencing is when a child looks to a caregiver’s facial expression or emotional cue to decide how to respond to something new or uncertain. In this scenario, the child scans the caregiver’s face for a reaction before approaching the toy, using that social cue to determine whether it’s safe or worth approaching. This shows the child interpreting another person’s emotional signal and letting it guide their own behavior. If the child ignores the caregiver and explores on their own, they aren’t using social information to guide the decision. Taking the toy without looking indicates proceeding without checking for cues. Crying because the toy is new reflects a reaction to novelty rather than the influence of another person’s emotional signal on the choice to approach.

Social referencing is when a child looks to a caregiver’s facial expression or emotional cue to decide how to respond to something new or uncertain. In this scenario, the child scans the caregiver’s face for a reaction before approaching the toy, using that social cue to determine whether it’s safe or worth approaching. This shows the child interpreting another person’s emotional signal and letting it guide their own behavior.

If the child ignores the caregiver and explores on their own, they aren’t using social information to guide the decision. Taking the toy without looking indicates proceeding without checking for cues. Crying because the toy is new reflects a reaction to novelty rather than the influence of another person’s emotional signal on the choice to approach.