Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Which response best demonstrates an infant's reflex when faced with an unexpected stimulus?

1. They cry and seek comfort from a caregiver.

2. They laugh and look for social engagement.

3. They withdraw silently.

4. They stare in confusion.

The correct answer is: They cry and seek comfort from a caregiver.

The infant's reflex when faced with an unexpected stimulus is best demonstrated by the response of crying and seeking comfort from a caregiver. This behavior is part of the innate responses that infants exhibit in situations where they feel startled or threatened. Crying is a primal reaction that alerts caregivers to the infant's distress, ensuring that their needs for safety and comfort are addressed. This reflex action indicates a natural survival mechanism, as it prompts caregivers to respond quickly, fostering a sense of security for the infant. In the context of the other responses, while laughter and looking for social engagement or staring in confusion may occur in social or stimulating environments, they do not specifically reflect the immediate reflexive response to unexpected stimuli. Furthermore, withdrawing silently might indicate a subdued or distressed state, but it lacks the proactive aspect of crying, which actively seeks comfort and fosters interaction with caregivers. Thus, the act of crying and seeking comfort is the most appropriate demonstration of an infant's reflexive behavior in response to unexpected stimuli.