Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Which of the following actions reflect the typical behavior of infants during the cognitive development stages?

1. They demonstrate unchanging patterns of behavior.

2. They engage primarily in observational learning.

3. They frequently use trial and error to solve problems.

4. They rely solely on mimicking older children.

The correct answer is: They frequently use trial and error to solve problems.

The correct choice highlights that infants frequently use trial and error to solve problems, which is a hallmark of cognitive development. During the early stages of development, infants are naturally curious and motivated to explore their environment. This exploration is often facilitated through hands-on experimentation, where they attempt various strategies to see what works and what doesn’t. For instance, they might drop a toy to understand gravity or try different methods to reach a desired object. This trial-and-error approach is crucial for learning and understanding cause-and-effect relationships, paving the way for more complex cognitive processes as they grow. The other options do not accurately represent the typical cognitive behavior of infants. In particular, the idea that infants demonstrate unchanging patterns of behavior overlooks their adaptability and exploration tendencies during the early years. The notion of engaging primarily in observational learning is more characteristic of older children who have developed more sophisticated learning strategies. Lastly, while infants might mimic actions, relying solely on this behavior doesn't encompass the active, exploratory nature of their problem-solving processes.