Which of the following describes "social referencing"?

Social referencing is a crucial concept in developmental psychology that refers to the ability of individuals, particularly infants and young children, to look to others when they are uncertain about how to react in a situation. This behavior involves recognizing and responding to the emotional expressions of others, which helps in guiding their own responses and decisions.

When a child encounters a novel or ambiguous situation, they may glance at a caregiver or trusted adult to gauge their emotional reaction. For example, if a child is unsure about approaching a strange animal, they might look at their parent's face to see if the parent appears relaxed or fearful. The child's subsequent behavior—whether they approach the animal or back away—will be influenced by how the adult reacts.

This process is significant because it illustrates the role of social cues in emotional development and decision-making. The ability to interpret and respond to others' emotions is foundational for developing social skills and emotional intelligence as one grows.

In contrast, the other options emphasize different aspects of social interaction. Imitating adult behavior pertains to learning through mimicking, while playing collaboratively with peers focuses on the skills developed during social play among equals. Learning from observational techniques is about gaining knowledge through watching others, rather than directly involving emotional cues and responses. Thus, the