Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

How do babies who practice motor skills compare to those who do not?

1. They develop skills later than children who do not practice.

2. They develop skills at the same time as other children.

3. They develop skills sooner than children who do not practice.

4. They develop skills depending on cultural expectations.

The correct answer is: They develop skills sooner than children who do not practice.

Babies who practice motor skills tend to develop those skills sooner than those who do not. This is because the act of practicing motor skills, such as reaching, crawling, or walking, helps to strengthen the neural connections necessary for these movements. Engaging in regular practice allows infants to refine their coordination, balance, and muscle strength, all of which contribute to more advanced physical capabilities. Research supports the idea that motor development is influenced by activity levels and practice. Infants who engage more frequently in activities that challenge and encourage their motor skills often achieve developmental milestones earlier than their less active peers. This does not just apply to gross motor skills like crawling or walking, but also fine motor skills such as gripping or manipulating objects. While factors like cultural expectations can influence the types of activities babies engage in and how they practice these skills, the core finding remains that practicing motor skills leads to earlier development compared to those who do not receive the same level of opportunity to practice and explore.