Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

What is a typical age for infants to start showing social smiles?

1. As early as 2 weeks

2. At about 3 months

3. Around 6 months

4. At 9 months

The correct answer is: At about 3 months

Infants typically begin to show social smiles around the age of 3 months. At this developmental stage, they are becoming more aware of their surroundings and are starting to engage socially with caregivers. The social smile is an important milestone in emotional and social development, indicating that infants are beginning to recognize and respond to the emotions of others. Prior to this period, although newborns can exhibit reflexive smiles, these are not social in nature. Social smiles indicate a level of cognitive and emotional development where the infant is able to interact and connect with people, responding to facial cues and sounds. This developmental milestone is key as it serves as an early form of communication and bonding with caregivers, fostering social engagement and attachment. While infants may smile at other times, such as in response to internal stimuli or as reflex actions, the true social smile that conveys recognition and social engagement typically emerges around 3 months.