Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Which among the following does not refer to Social Referencing?
(A) Intentional search for information about others’ feelings, to help explain the meaning of uncertain circumstances and events
(B) It occurs around the age of 2 - 3 years
(C) Infants make use of facial expressions in social referencing
(D) Infants need to understand the significance of another’s behavior within the context of a specific situation

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (B) only.
1. Social referencing refers to the process by which infants and young children look to others, typically parents or caregivers, for cues on how to respond to unfamiliar situations or events.
2. The intentional search for information about others’ feelings, typically through facial expressions or vocal tones, is a core aspect of social referencing. It helps the child understand how to interpret new or uncertain situations (A).
3. Facial expressions are an important cue used in social referencing, as infants rely on the emotional expressions of caregivers to guide their own responses (C).
4. The statement in (B), “It occurs around the age of 2-3 years,” is not entirely accurate as social referencing typically occurs earlier, around 6-12 months, not specifically at 2-3 years. Thus, (B) does not accurately describe the typical developmental age for social referencing.
5. The importance of understanding the significance of another’s behavior in the context of a specific situation (D) is a key component of social referencing.