Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

What developmental change is expected just before toddlers improve their language abilities?

1. Increased inhibition of prefrontal cortex activity.

2. Myelination in language-related brain areas.

3. Synaptic pruning in the visual cortex.

4. Rapid increase in overall brain size.

The correct answer is: Myelination in language-related brain areas.

The correct choice reflects a crucial aspect of early brain development related to language acquisition. Just before toddlers show marked improvements in their language abilities, there is significant myelination in the areas of the brain responsible for language processing. Myelination is the process of forming a myelin sheath around the nerve fibers, which enhances the speed and efficiency of neural communication. This is particularly important for the development of complex cognitive functions such as language. As toddlers approach the age where they begin to use and understand language more effectively, these brain areas such as Broca's area and Wernicke's area experience increased myelination. This biological change supports more sophisticated processing of linguistic information, enabling better comprehension and production of speech. Myelination is fundamental to the overall improvement in communication skills during this developmental stage. In contrast, while increased inhibition of prefrontal cortex activity, synaptic pruning in the visual cortex, and rapid increases in overall brain size might play roles in the broader context of cognitive and developmental changes, they do not specifically correlate with the enhancement of language abilities in toddlers as directly as myelination does. Therefore, understanding myelination in language-related areas as a precursor to language development is critical for grasping the complexities of cognitive growth during early childhood