primary circular reaction

A primary circular reaction is a type of behavior observed in infants during the sensorimotor stage of cognitive development, as described by Jean Piaget. This stage spans from birth to two years old. Primary circular actions are simple, repeated acts that an infant performs for their own sake, without any conscious intent or purpose. Examples include sucking, opening and closing fists, or fingering a blanket. These actions are repeated because they are pleasurable or produce an interesting effect for the infant. This contrasts with later stages where actions become more goal-oriented. A circular reaction, in general, is a chain reflex where the final response acts as a stimulus for the initial response.12