Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

What developmental milestone is indicated by a 2-month-old turning his head towards his mother when she speaks in "baby talk"?

1. He is probably experiencing a hearing difficulty.

2. He is developing more quickly than is typical.

3. His hearing capacities are developing normally.

4. His mother should stop talking to him in this manner because it is distracting to him.

The correct answer is: His hearing capacities are developing normally.

A 2-month-old turning his head towards his mother when she speaks in "baby talk" signifies that his hearing capacities are developing normally. At this age, infants are beginning to show responsiveness to sounds, especially those of familiar voices. This behavior demonstrates that the infant is able to detect and localize the source of sound, indicating a significant step in auditory development. This response illustrates that the infant is not only hearing the sounds but is also responding to them, which is an expected milestone for a child of this age. It reflects the development of cognitive and social skills, as the baby is recognizing and reacting to communication initiated by a caregiver, contributing to their early social interaction and bonding. The other options do not appropriately fit this situation. For instance, the statement about hearing difficulty contradicts the observed behavior, as turning towards a sound is a positive sign of auditory capability. Saying the child is developing more quickly than typical would be an overgeneralization since this is a normal developmental milestone for infants. Lastly, suggesting that the mother should stop talking in "baby talk" overlooks the significant role that such speech plays in engagement and language development at this stage.