Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

An infant's modes of responding to the environment are known as:

1. Reflexes.

2. Emotions.

3. Temperament.

4. Sensory processes.

The correct answer is: Temperament.

The correct answer is temperament, which refers to the innate characteristics that influence how an individual responds to their environment. In infants, temperament encompasses the early appearing traits and behavioral styles, such as activity level, mood, and adaptability, that shape their reactions to social and environmental stimuli. Temperament is distinct from reflexes, which are involuntary responses to stimuli; while reflexes are automatic and do not reflect the individual’s personality or style of interaction with the environment, temperament encompasses broader behavioral and emotional patterns that can persist over time. Emotions themselves refer to the immediate feelings experienced in response to specific situations and are part of the broader picture of temperament but do not encompass all modes of response. Sensory processes relate to how an infant perceives and interprets sensory information, which is a component of responding but does not capture the broader behavioral tendencies and interpersonal styles that define temperament. Understanding temperament helps caregivers and educators tailor their approaches to better support individual infants’ needs as they grow.