Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Which of the following developments occur in the brain toward the end of infancy?

1. The pace of the brain's growth becomes more and more rapid.

2. Areas of the prefrontal cortex undergo significant reductions in myelination.

3. Each neuron branches out to create thousands of connections with other neurons.

4. Specialization and independence of brain areas become evident.

The correct answer is: Each neuron branches out to create thousands of connections with other neurons.

The statement that at the end of infancy, each neuron branches out to create thousands of connections with other neurons is correct. During early development, particularly in the years leading up to and including infancy, the brain undergoes a process known as synaptogenesis. This is where neurons form synapses with other neurons, resulting in an increase in the number of connections. By the end of infancy, the brain is expanding its neural network significantly, which is essential for cognitive and sensory processing. The high rate of synapse formation allows for improved communication between different brain regions and is crucial for the developing child's learning and interaction with the environment. Understanding this process highlights the importance of experiences and stimulation during this timeframe since these connections can influence brain development and long-term cognitive abilities. Infants are naturally curious and engaged with their surroundings, which promotes this rapid growth in neural connections. The incorrect alternatives do not accurately represent the typical brain developments occurring at the end of infancy. For instance, the pace of growth does not continue to accelerate at such a rapid rate, the myelination of the prefrontal cortex is still occurring and doesn't see reductions just yet, and the specialization of brain areas becomes more pronounced following infancy rather than as a primary characteristic of that stage.