Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

What age do infants typically begin to exhibit imitation of observed behaviors?

1. At birth

2. Around 4 months

3. About 8 months

4. At 12 months

The correct answer is: About 8 months

Infants typically begin to exhibit imitation of observed behaviors around 8 months of age. During this stage of development, children become more skilled at observing and mimicking the actions of others. This behavior is crucial because it reflects the infant's growing cognitive abilities and understanding of social interactions. Imitation is a key component of learning and development, leading to enhanced social skills and communication. At birth, while infants are capable of some reflexive behaviors, they do not exhibit true imitation, which requires more advanced cognitive processing. Around 4 months, infants may start to show some rudimentary forms of social engagement, such as copying facial expressions, but true imitation of actions generally develops more significantly around the 8-month mark. By 12 months, imitation becomes even more pronounced and deliberate, as infants are able to replicate complex actions and begin to engage in more sophisticated forms of social learning.