What term refers to assigning human qualities to inanimate objects?

The term that refers to assigning human qualities to inanimate objects is animism. This concept is particularly relevant in early childhood development, where children often perceive the world through an imaginative lens. They might believe that toys can feel emotions or that a tree can be happy or sad. This tendency is a natural part of cognitive development and reflects children's growing understanding of their environment as they attempt to make sense of the phenomena they encounter.

In contrast, egocentrism describes a child's inability to see things from perspectives other than their own, which is a characteristic of early cognitive development but does not specifically involve inanimate objects. Object permanence refers to the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are not visible, which is a key cognitive milestone but unrelated to attributing human traits. Symbolic play involves using objects, actions, or ideas to represent other objects or concepts, showcasing creativity and imagination but does not inherently involve endowing inanimate items with human-like traits.