Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Which sense is the LEAST well-developed at birth?

1. smelling

2. tasting

3. hearing

4. vision

The correct answer is: vision

Vision is considered the least well-developed sense at birth due to the significant physiological changes that occur as a newborn matures. Newborns are born with limited visual acuity, typically only able to focus on objects that are 8 to 12 inches away, which is roughly the distance to a caregiver’s face when being held. Their ability to perceive depth and color is also underdeveloped, as the retina and other visual processing areas in the brain require time to develop fully. In contrast, the other senses, such as smell and taste, are relatively more developed at birth. Infants have a keen sense of smell, which can help them recognize their mothers and distinguish between different scents. Similarly, they exhibit preferences for certain tastes, often showing a preference for sweet flavors. Hearing is also well-developed; newborns can respond to sounds and even recognize their mother's voice. Understanding the development of the visual system provides insights into the sensory capabilities of newborns and highlights the gradual maturation process that occurs in early life.