Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Which scenario would likely engage a 6-month-old infant the longest?

1. A square moving across the screen.

2. A square bumping into another square that then moves.

3. Two squares remaining motionless on screen.

4. A square approaching another but stopping before contact.

The correct answer is: A square bumping into another square that then moves.

Engaging a 6-month-old infant involves capturing their attention through motion and interaction. The scenario where a square bumps into another square that then moves is likely to intrigue the infant the most. Young infants are naturally drawn to movement, especially when it involves cause-and-effect scenarios. In this case, the initial movement of one square leading to the reaction of the second square creates a dynamic situation that stimulates visual and cognitive engagement. At this age, infants are developing their understanding of how objects interact in their environment. Observing the first square's action resulting in the second square's movement can encourage sustained attention as it introduces a sense of agency and predictability, critical aspects of cognitive development at this stage. In contrast, the other options do not provide the same level of interactive engagement. A square moving across the screen might capture attention momentarily, but it lacks the relational dynamics seen in the chosen scenario. Two squares remaining motionless or a square approaching another without contact do not provide enough change or interaction to maintain a 6-month-old's focus, as there is less action to engage their interest.