Final answer:
The statement is false. Restricting physical movement or sensory exploration during the sensorimotor stage can have negative impacts on cognitive development in infancy, as these experiences are fundamental for learning about the world.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that restricting physical movement or sensory exploration in infancy has absolutely no effect on cognitive learning is false. During the sensorimotor stage of development, which spans from birth to about 2 years old, infants learn about the world through sensory and motor experiences. Jean Piaget, a renowned cognitive developmental psychologist, described this stage as crucial for the development of cognitive skills, including the concept of object permanence. Beyond Piaget's findings, contemporary researchers suggest that children's cognitive abilities develop through interaction with the environment, even from a very young age. For instance, Baillargeon's research contradicted Piaget's theory by showing that very young infants have some understanding of the properties of objects without direct interaction, which signifies the importance of sensorial input in cognitive development. Hence, restricting these experiences could potentially hinder cognitive growth and learning.