What is the term for the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen?

The correct term that describes the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen is "object permanence." This concept is primarily associated with developmental psychology and was prominently studied by Jean Piaget. Object permanence is an important milestone in cognitive development that typically emerges in infants during the sensorimotor stage, around 8 to 12 months of age.

Once a child develops object permanence, they understand that even if an object is hidden from their view, it still exists. This understanding is crucial for the development of more complex cognitive abilities, as it lays the foundation for memory and the ability to conceptualize the world around them.

The other terms relate to different psychological concepts: "schema" refers to the mental frameworks that help organize and interpret information; "assimilation" involves integrating new information into existing schemas; and "sublimation" is a defense mechanism in psychoanalysis where socially unacceptable impulses are transformed into socially acceptable actions. While these concepts are important in their own right, they do not pertain to the understanding of object permanence.