Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

When do parents typically report that their children start to "cry on purpose"?

1. As a result of muscle control before birth.

2. When their vocal tract begins to function.

3. After several months of life as the cerebral cortex develops.

4. Only when they are exposed to other babies.

The correct answer is: After several months of life as the cerebral cortex develops.

Parents generally report that their children start to "cry on purpose" after several months of life, coinciding with the development of the cerebral cortex. As a child's brain matures, particularly the cerebral cortex, they begin to gain more control over their emotions and are capable of expressing specific needs and desires through intentional crying. This period typically falls around 4 to 6 months of age, when infants start differentiating between various cries, indicating a greater level of social and emotional engagement. The other options relate to aspects of infant development but do not directly address the intentionality behind crying. Muscle control before birth and vocal tract functionality are foundational developmental aspects, but they do not capture the awareness and emotional regulation required to cry with intent. Likewise, exposure to other babies can influence social behaviors, yet it is not a primary factor for when infants start to purposefully cry. The ability to cry on purpose is more aligned with cognitive and emotional maturation that occurs as the cerebral cortex develops.