A 14-month-old attempts to insert a paper clip into an electrical outlet after having been shocked. What is the best interpretation of this behavior?

• A. Her cognitive development is delayed.
• B. Toddlers are not very developed.
• C. This is typical because of inability to transfer knowledge to new situations.
• D. This is not typical because toddlers should know better.

Answer: (C)

Toddlers learn primarily through concrete exploration and have a limited ability to transfer learning from one situation to a new one. At 14 months, a child is still in the early stages of cognitive development and is driven by curiosity and the desire to manipulate objects. Even after being shocked by a outlet, the child may not generalize that danger to all similar situations, so attempting to insert a paper clip into an outlet can occur again. This behavior reflects normal development—their thinking is concrete, and impulse control is still growing, not a sign of delay or “not very developed.” In practice, it’s a cue to reinforce safety: keep outlets covered, remove small metal objects from reach, supervise closely, and redirect curiosity with safe alternatives while offering simple, age-appropriate explanations as they grow older.