Deck 3: Physical and Cognitive Development in Infancy

Question 1

The part of the neuron that carries signals toward the cell body is called a(n):

A)axon.
B)dendrite.
C)neurotransmitter.
D)synapse.

Answer 1

dendrite.

Question 2

Baby Dewayne moves his trunk and arms,but he is unable to control his hands and fingers.This is an example of the __________ pattern of development.

A)proximodistal
B)cephalocaudal
C)proximocaudal
D)cephalodistal

Answer 2

proximodistal

Question 3

What is the name of the fatty substance that speeds up transmission of impulses and surrounds the axon of a neuron?

A)insulation
B)synapse
C)myelin
D)neurotransmitter

Answer 3

myelin

Question 4

Jerome weighed in at 12 pounds when he was born.Compared to other newborns (in the United States),he is:

A)underweight.
B)about average.
C)heavy,yet still within the normal range of weight.
D)considerably heavier than most babies.

Question 5

The specialization of function in each of the two hemispheres of the cerebral cortex in the brain is called:

A)dominance.
B)mastery.
C)lateralization.
D)learning.

Question 6

The spreading of neural pathways is a result of the:

A)myelination of the axons.
B)expansion of dendritic connections.
C)myelination of the dendrites.
D)expansion of the axonic connections.

Question 7

The average American newborn is __________ long and weighs _________.

A)23 inches;6½ pounds.
B)20 inches;7½ pounds.
C)24 inches;8½ pounds.
D)18 inches;9½ pounds.

Question 8

A chemical that is contained at the end of the axon whose purpose is to pass information on to another neuron is called a(n):

A)axon.
B)dendrite.
C)neurotransmitter.
D)synapse.

Question 9

Axon is to _________ as dendrite is to _________.

A)carrying signals away from the cell body;carrying signals to the cell body.
B)carrying signals to the cell body;carrying signals away from the cell body.
C)lateralization;myelination.
D)myelination;lateralization.

Question 10

A nerve cell in the brain is also called a(n):

A)glial cell
B)neurotransmitter
C)oligodendrocyte
D)neuron

Question 11

A tiny gap that is found between two or more neurons is called a(n):

A)axon.
B)dendrite.
C)neurotransmitter.
D)synapse.

Question 12

The most extensive research concerning brain lateralization has focused on

A)language
B)learning
C)memory
D)habituation

Question 13

The __________ has the most prolonged development of any region of the brain.

A)prefrontal cortex of the frontal lobe
B)visual cortex of the occipital lobe
C)primary sensory cortex of the parietal lobe
D)auditory cortex of the temporal lobe

Question 14

Which of the following describes the cephalocaudal pattern of development?

A)development of the brain,followed by the spinal cord,and then leg nerves
B)development of the heart and lungs,followed by the brain and spinal cord
C)development of the brain,followed by the heart,lungs,and then eyes
D)development of the spinal cord,followed by the brain,and then heart and lungs

Question 15

By a child's second birthday,his or her brain is approximately __________ of the weight of an adult's brain.

A)70%
B)75%
C)72%
D)77%

Question 16

Brian is brought into the emergency room by his parents.The doctor examines Brian and concludes that in view of the swelling and hemorrhaging of his brain,it is likely that Brian has:

A)hemiplegia.
B)shaken baby syndrome.
C)traumatic brain injury.
D)viral meningitis.

Question 17

"Baby-friendly" programs in impoverished countries encourage mothers to breast-feed their babies.One disadvantage of these programs,however,is that:

A)the AIDS virus can be passed to the baby through the mother's breast milk.
B)breast milk does not have the same hygienic qualities as infant formula.
C)these programs are much more expensive than bottle-feeding programs.
D)mothers who breast-feed have a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Question 18

Which of the following statements is TRUE?

A)The brain is (almost)completely developed at birth.
B)Some brain development continues after birth.
C)Extensive brain development continues after birth.
D)The brain is (almost)completely developed at birth for children who were born "on time." Extensive development continues after birth for children who were born prematurely.

Question 19

Which of the following statements is TRUE about the hemispheric specialization of speech in the cerebral cortex of the brain?

A)Speech is completely localized in the left hemisphere for most people.Some aspects of language,however,like the use of metaphor and humor,are localized in the right hemisphere.
B)Speech is completely localized in the right hemisphere for most people.Some aspects of language,however,like the use of metaphor and humor,are localized in the left hemisphere.
C)For most people,speech and grammar are localized in the left hemisphere,and aspects of language like the use of metaphor and humor are localized in the right hemisphere.
D)For most people,speech and grammar are localized in the right hemisphere,and aspects of language like the use of metaphor and humor are localized in the left hemisphere.

Question 20

Which of the following statements is TRUE?

A)Following birth,the number of synaptic connections between the neurons always increases.
B)Following birth,the number of synaptic connections between the neurons always decreases.
C)Following birth,some synaptic connections strengthen,whereas other unused ones are pruned.
D)Following birth,about 90% of the synaptic connections survive,whereas about 10% disappear.

Question 21

Which of the following terms is the best descriptor of the dynamic systems theory?

A)passive
B)active
C)static
D)constructed

Question 22

Built-in reactions to stimuli that govern an infant's actions are known as:

A)responses.
B)reflexes.
C)impulses.
D)urges.

Question 23

There has been quite a bit of controversy regarding the differential effects of breast-feeding and bottle-feeding.Recent research indicates that:

A)breast-feeding is better for the baby's health.
B)bottle-feeding is better for the baby's health.
C)breast-feeding is better for bonding between mother and infant,whereas bottle-feeding is better for the baby's health.
D)there are no differences in socioemotional or health outcomes between babies who are breast-fed compared to babies who are bottle-fed.

Question 24

A theory that views motor development as a means for perceiving and acting is known as:

A)dynamic systems theory
B)maturational systems theory
C)static systems theory
D)environmental systems theory

Question 25

What is thought to influence the overproduction and pruning of synapses in the brain?

A)heredity and environment
B)environment and education
C)education and activity
D)activity and experience

Question 26

The acronym "SIDS" stands for:

A)"severe infant deformity syndrome."
B)"sudden infant death syndrome."
C)"severe infant Down syndrome."
D)"sudden infant damage syndrome."

Question 27

At the fireworks show,Michael is afraid and thinks his newborn sister is sick when she suddenly flings her arms and legs out from her body,then pulls them in tightly.Michael's mom is not concerned because she knows that this is just the baby's __________ reflex.

A)Moro
B)rooting
C)grasping
D)tonic neck

Question 28

Of the following infants,who is MOST at risk for SIDS?

A)Aimee;her mother smokes
B)Grace;she was born weighing more than most babies
C)Kyoko;her parents are Japanese
D)Sylvia;she sleeps in firm bedding

Question 29

All of the following are benefits of breast-feeding,EXCEPT:

A)fewer allergies
B)appropriate weight gain
C)prevention of circulatory problems
D)improved visual acuity

Question 30

The peak of synaptic overproduction in the prefrontal cortex takes place at around __________ of age.

A)1 month
B)3 months
C)1 year
D)3 years

Question 31

According to a survey conducted in 2004,the most common vegetable that was fed to babies by the age of 15 months of age was:

A)tomatoes
B)French fries
C)green beans
D)peas

Question 32

Tameka and Roy have just had a baby.Every night,their baby is up for several hours,and she often sleeps during the day.How long will these parents have to wait until their child has established a pattern of sleeping mostly at night?

A)1 month
B)4 months
C)7 months
D)12 months

Question 33

The risk of SIDS is highest in which of the following age groups?

A)birth to 4 weeks
B)2 months to 4 months
C)6 months to 1 year
D)1 year to 1½ years

Question 34

All of the following are risk factors for SIDS,EXCEPT:

A)low birth weight.
B)being African-American.
C)being male.
D)sleeping in soft bedding.

Question 35

Approximately what percentage of an infant's sleep is REM sleep?

A)50%
B)45%
C)55%
D)60%

Question 36

Melissa is 2 weeks old.She sleeps about 16 hours a day.She:

A)Is sleeping longer than most 2-week-old babies do.
B)is not sleeping as much as most babies her age do.
C)is typical of 2-week-old babies in her sleeping patterns.
D)sleeps more like a premature baby than a full-term baby.

Question 37

The adult density of synapses in the prefrontal cortex is achieved around _________.

A)early to middle childhood
B)middle childhood to early adolescence
C)early to middle adolescence
D)middle to late adolescence

Question 38

At age 4½,Michael Rehbein began to experience uncontrollable seizures.To stop this,doctors removed portions of the left hemisphere of his brain where the seizures were occurring when he was 7 years old,and again when he was 10 years old.This case study has shown that the brain:

A)is very adaptive.
B)is fixed and unchanging.
C)adapts for certain functions only.
D)can adapt and function only when whole.

Question 39

Under which of these circumstances should a mother not breast-feed?

A)if she is infected with AIDS or any disease that can be transmitted via breastmilk
B)if she has active tuberculosis
C)if she is taking any drug that may not be safe for the infant
D)All of the above are reasons for a mother to avoid breastfeeding.

Question 40

Tatsuya would like his daughter to grow up and develop to her full potential.He can do his part by:

A)sending her to preschool.
B)not allowing her to be placed in day care.
C)providing a stimulating home environment.
D)teaching her to read at an early age.

Question 41

Dr.Dzindolet would like to know whether children born prematurely can tell the difference between a face and a spiral.What method would best suit this experiment?

A)visual preference method
B)visual cuing method
C)visual availability method
D)visual timing method

Question 42

When information is received by specialized receptors in the body,a person is experiencing:

A)sensation.
B)perception.
C)reception.
D)transduction.

Question 43

Baby Jane,3 days old,is shown four drawings.One is a bright blue square,one is a white oval,one is a drawing of a face,and the last is a black-and-white bull's-eye.In view of Fantz's work,which will she probably prefer to look at?

A)the oval
B)the face
C)the square
D)the bull's-eye

Question 44

Habituation __________ responsiveness to stimuli.

A)decreases
B)increases
C)inhibits
D)excites

Question 45

The rooting reflex is to __________ as the Moro reflex is to _________.

A)grasping;turning
B)turning;startle
C)searching;startle
D)startle;grasping

Question 46

Gross motor is to __________ as fine motor is to _________.

A)uncoordinated;balance
B)balance;big movements
C)large muscles;small muscles
D)small movements;coordination

Question 47

__________ motor skills involve large-muscle activity.

A)Fine
B)Gross
C)Practiced
D)Major

Question 48

Diane notices that sudden stimulation causes her 2-month-old to arch his back,throw back his head,fling out his arms and legs,and then rapidly close them to the center of his body.Diane's baby is exhibiting the __________ reflex.

A)rooting
B)Babinski
C)tonic neck
D)Moro

Question 49

The interpreting of sensory information is called:

A)sensation.
B)reception.
C)perception.
D)transduction.

Question 50

Shelly's parents are worried because their daughter is 5 months old and can sit but not on her own.A psychologist friend tells them that:

A)this is normal,because most children cannot sit on their own until around 6 or 7 months.
B)they should take their daughter to the hospital because she may have neurological damage.
C)they should not worry because their daughter is actually a little bit ahead of schedule.
D)there is no set timeline for this to occur;it will just happen naturally whenever it happens.

Question 51

In the "sticky mittens" research project,it was found that:

A)the infants in the mitten group developed grasping skills earlier.
B)the infants in the group without mittens developed grasping skills faster.
C)both groups developed grasping skills at the same pace.
D)the mitten group had better grasping skills,but the group without mittens developed better manipulation skills.

Question 52

The theory stating that we directly perceive information that exists in the world around us is:

A)ethological.
B)ecological.
C)evolution.
D)exoportional.

Question 53

Rachel Clifton and her colleagues (1993)demonstrated that reaching in 4-month-old infants is guided by:

A)sight of limb.
B)touch.
C)cues from muscles,tendons,and joints.
D)auditory cues.

Question 54

Robert Fantz,during his work with infants in the "looking chamber," discovered that 2-day-old infants prefer to look at:

A)faces (only).
B)patterned stimuli (only).
C)both faces and patterned stimuli.
D)neither faces nor patterned stimuli.

Question 55

The __________ method of studying whether an infant can distinguish between two objects is done by measuring the length of time the infant looks at an object.

A)visual cue
B)visual preference
C)visual availability
D)visual timing

Question 56

Sheena would like to hang one picture above her baby's crib.Which of the following would attract the most attention from the infant?

A)a bright red circle
B)a drawing of a face
C)red and white stripes
D)a drawing of concentric circles similar to a bulls-eye

Question 57

Which is correct regarding the swimming reflex?

A)Infants start to display this reflex around 3 months of age.
B)Newborns display this reflex until they can learn to swim.
C)Newborns display this reflex until about 6 to 7 months.
D)Newborns display this reflex until about 3 to 4 months.

Question 58

Newborn infants can habituate to repeated:

A)sight (only).
B)sounds (only).
C)smells and touches (only).
D)sights,sounds,smells,and touches.

Question 59

Marty is developing rapidly in her size and abilities to sit and stand.Many of the reflexes with which she was born are fading,but she is not yet able to climb or ride on riding toys.Marty is probably in the __________ of life.

A)first year
B)second year
C)proximodistal period
D)reflexive development phase

Question 60

The ecological view of perception states that perception:

A)puts us in contact with the world,so we are based in reality.
B)is sometimes faulty,which leads to the development of psychosis.
C)brings us into contact with the environment so that we can adapt to it.
D)lets us know which behaviors are adaptive and which are not.

Question 61

Abdiel is a newborn.He found one of his toys to be very exciting when he first received it,but now he appears to be bored with it.After a while,Abdiel's crib gets knocked around and the toy moves and appears to change shape.After this event,Abdiel seems to get back his initial excitement for the toy.This is an example of:

A)habituation-dishabituation.
B)boredom-excitement.
C)learning-remembering.
D)conditioning-extinction.

Question 62

Jean Piaget believed that children:

A)actively construct their own cognitive as different cognitive abilities develop.
B)passively react to stimuli in their environments.
C)absorb their knowledge from the environment.
D)gain their view of the world from their parents.

Question 63

Adjusting to new environmental demands is called:

A)accommodation.
B)assimilation.
C)adaptation.
D)organization.

Question 64

In the visual cliff experiment by Eleanor Gibson and Richard Walk (1960),most babies encouraged to crawl onto the deep side of the visual cliff would:

A)crawl onto the cliff side.
B)not crawl onto the cliff side.
C)crawl onto the cliff side only when their mothers called them.
D)not crawl onto the cliff side but showed significant increases in heart rate indicating anxiety about the situation.

Question 65

Two-year-old Anita has learned the word "dog" to identify the family pet Rover.Now Anita says the word "dog" when she sees any animal.Anita has __________ these animals into her existing scheme.

A)adapted
B)accommodated
C)assimilated
D)applied

Question 66

The "visual cliff" is used to measure:

A)size constancy.
B)shape constancy.
C)visual acuity.
D)depth perception.

Question 67

Adjusting already existing schemes to fit new information and experiences is called:

A)adaptation.
B)accommodation.
C)assimilation.
D)application.

Question 68

Your infant daughter requires surgery to correct a foot abnormality.Should she receive anesthesia?

A)Yes;recent work indicates that infants can feel pain.
B)Yes;otherwise,she will not nurse well after the surgery.
C)Yes;otherwise,she will not sleep or rest well after the surgery.
D)No;there are risks associated with giving anesthesia to infants.

Question 69

Mandy is rocking her newborn baby to sleep.Which of the following would be the easiest for her child to hear?

A)very soft sounds
B)slightly louder sounds
C)lower-pitched sounds
D)sounds from far away

Question 70

DeCasper and Spense (1986)wanted to find out if babies would prefer a story after birth if their mothers had read the story aloud to them when they were fetuses.What did they find?

A)The infants preferred the prenatal story over another story.
B)There was no noticeable preference among various stories.
C)Some children preferred the prenatal story and others did not.
D)Most infants preferred the prenatal story for a week after birth.

Question 71

When you integrate information from two or more sensory modes,you experience:

A)extramodal perception.
B)intermodal perception.
C)bimodal perception.
D)multimodal perception.

Question 72

Not until an infant is ________ will his or her visual acuity approximate that of an adult with normal vision.

A)2 months old
B)6 months old
C)1 year old
D)1½ years old

Question 73

Classifying flowers into groups according to their color is an example of a:

A)mental scheme.
B)mental adaptation.
C)behavioral adaptation.
D)behavioral scheme.

Question 74

Schemes are:

A)actions or mental representations that organize knowledge.
B)the incorporation of new information into existing knowledge.
C)groups of behaviors.
D)knowledge that has been adjusted to fit new experiences.

Question 75

An infant's color vision approximates that of an adult when she/he is:

A)2 months old.
B)4 months old.
C)1 year old.
D)1½ years old.

Question 76

The experience of our world as a smooth episode is made possible by:

A)intermodal transduction.
B)intermodal perception.
C)intermodal sensation.
D)intermodal interpretation.

Question 77

Baby Kendra is presented with two nursing pads.One comes from her mother,and the other has not been used.Which one will Kendra probably prefer?

A)Kendra will probably not show any preference.
B)Kendra will prefer her mother's nursing pad.
C)Kendra will prefer the clean nursing pad.
D)Whether she shows a preference depends on Kendra's age.

Question 78

According to the concept of perceptual motor coupling,which of the following statements should be TRUE regarding the motor development of a baby who is born blind?

A)This baby will become most reliant on his sense of touch as he learns motor skills,to the point where his other senses (including hearing)will be relatively useless.
B)This baby will be more in-tune with his or her surroundings because she will have to rely on her other sensory systems,and thus her motor skills will develop at a faster rate.
C)Babies brains have such high plasticity that they will overcome blindness and their motor skills will not suffer.
D)Because this baby has a reduced ability to perceive his surroundings,his motor skills should develop at a slower rate.

Question 79

What has the most recent (2007)research found relative to newborns and pain?

A)Infants are unable to feel the sensation of pain.
B)Infants are able to perceive the sensation of pain.
C)Infants' perception of pain is underdeveloped.
D)Infants' perception of pain cannot be assessed.

Question 80

When saccharin was added to amniotic fluid,researchers noticed an increase in fetal:

A)growth.
B)swallowing.
C)sleep.
D)kicking.