<P> Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they can not be perceived ( seen , heard , touched , smelled or sensed in any way ) . This is a fundamental concept studied in the field of developmental psychology , the subfield of psychology that addresses the development of young children 's social and mental capacities . There is not yet scientific consensus on when the understanding of object permanence emerges in human development . </P>
the idea that even if something is out of sight it still exists is called
Object permanence