Prenatal and Infant Development: A Comprehensive Guide for Psychology Students

Question 1

Which of the following is a crucial milestone in prenatal development, involving the formation of a vital connection between the mother and the developing embryo?

Accepted Answer

Formation of the placenta

Answer

Implantation

Answer

Development of major organs

Answer

Viability outside the womb

Question 2

Identify the substance that can negatively impact fetal development and is considered a teratogen.

Accepted Answer

Lead

Answer

Folic acid

Answer

Vitamin C

Answer

Breast milk

Question 3

Which brain region is primarily responsible for controlling vital functions such as breathing and heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Medulla

Answer

Cerebellum

Answer

Hypothalamus

Answer

Hippocampus

Question 4

What is the primary function of stranger anxiety in infants?

Accepted Answer

To alert them to potential threats and protect their well-being

Answer

To encourage independence and exploration

Answer

To foster social interactions and relationships

Answer

To stimulate their cognitive development and learning

Question 5

Identify the theory proposed by Erik Erikson that describes the initial stage of a child's psychosocial development, emphasizing the importance of trust and security.

Accepted Answer

Trust vs. Mistrust

Answer

Autonomy vs. Shame

Answer

Initiative vs. Guilt

Answer

Industry vs. Inferiority

Question 6

Which of the following is a key social interaction observed in infants as young as 2 months?

Accepted Answer

Joint attention

Answer

Effective emotional regulation

Answer

Cooperative play with peers

Answer

Perspective-taking

Question 7

The period of rapid growth and differentiation that occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy is known as the:

Accepted Answer

Embryonic period

Answer

Fetal period

Answer

Blastocyst period

Answer

Zygote period

Question 8

The hormone primarily responsible for initiating and maintaining lactation in breastfeeding mothers is:

Accepted Answer

Prolactin

Answer

Oxytocin

Answer

Estrogen

Answer

Dopamine

Question 9

Which theory of cognitive development emphasizes the importance of social interaction?

Accepted Answer

Vygotsky's theory

Answer

Piaget's theory

Answer

Information processing theory

Answer

Behavioral theory

Question 10

Who is the most common primary caretaker for most infants?

Accepted Answer

Mother

Answer

Father

Answer

Grandmother

Answer

Daycare provider

Question 11

Which of the following stages characterizes the earliest period of prenatal development, during which the zygote divides rapidly and implants in the uterus?

Accepted Answer

Germinal

Answer

Embryonic

Answer

Fetal

Answer

Infancy

Question 12

During which trimester does the fetus experience the most rapid brain growth, forming billions of new neurons and connections?

Accepted Answer

Third trimester

Answer

First trimester

Answer

Second trimester

Answer

Fourth trimester

Question 13

Which factor is NOT known to influence the healthy development of the fetus during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Astrological influences

Answer

Maternal nutrition

Answer

Exposure to environmental toxins

Answer

Genetic predispositions

Question 14

What is the term for the first vocalization produced by a newborn infant, typically triggered by changes in temperature or discomfort?

Accepted Answer

Reflexive cry

Answer

Comfort cry

Answer

Colicky cry

Answer

Hunger cry

Question 15

What term describes the gradual process by which infants develop an awareness of their own existence as separate from their surroundings?

Accepted Answer

Self-recognition

Answer

Object permanence

Answer

Stranger anxiety

Answer

Self-regulation

Question 16

Which characteristic is typically associated with secure attachment in infants, contributing to their overall well-being?

Accepted Answer

Infant can be easily comforted by their primary caregiver

Answer

Infant shows minimal distress when exploring their environment

Answer

Infant seeks comfort from anyone, regardless of familiarity

Answer

Infant consistently avoids their primary caregiver

Question 17

Approximately when do infants typically demonstrate an understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight?

Accepted Answer

9-12 months

Answer

6-8 months

Answer

12-18 months

Answer

18-24 months

Question 18

How does maternal health and nutrition impact fetal development?

Accepted Answer

Maternal health and nutrition significantly influence fetal growth, organ formation, and overall well-being.

Answer

Maternal health has no impact on fetal development.

Answer

Maternal nutrition has no significant effect on fetal development.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a stage of prenatal development?

Accepted Answer

Infantile

Answer

Germinal

Answer

Embryonic

Answer

Fetal

Question 20

The process by which the fertilized egg embeds itself into the uterine wall is called:

Accepted Answer

Implantation

Answer

Gastrulation

Answer

Placentation

Answer

Fertilization

Question 21

The rooting reflex is an unconditioned response, meaning it:

Accepted Answer

Is present from birth

Answer

Is learned through experience

Answer

Can be extinguished through conditioning

Answer

Is only seen in certain cultures

Question 22

According to Piaget's sensorimotor stage of cognitive development, infants learn primarily through:

Accepted Answer

Sensorimotor exploration

Answer

Observing and imitating others

Answer

Verbal communication

Answer

Symbolic representation

Question 23

A key characteristic of secure attachment is that infants:

Accepted Answer

Are easily comforted by their caregivers

Answer

Show distress when separated from their caregivers

Answer

Avoid interacting with their caregivers

Answer

Display aggressive behavior towards their caregivers

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development during infancy?

Accepted Answer

Oper Concrete operational

Answer

Sensorimotor

Answer

Preoperational

Answer

Concrete operational

Question 25

What is the process by which newborns learn to associate a specific stimulus with a particular response?

Accepted Answer

Classical conditioning

Answer

Operant conditioning

Answer

Observational learning

Answer

Habituation

Question 26

Which brain structure is responsible for regulating vital functions such as breathing and heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Brainstem

Answer

Cerebellum

Answer

Cerebrum

Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 27

What is the name for the involuntary grasping reflex exhibited by newborns?

Accepted Answer

Palmar reflex

Answer

Babinski reflex

Answer

Moro reflex

Answer

Stepping reflex

Question 28

What is the name for the organ that provides nutrients and oxygen to the fetus?

Accepted Answer

Placenta

Answer

Amniotic fluid

Answer

Umbilical cord

Answer

Fetal membrane

Question 29

The period of rapid brain growth that occurs during the first two years of life is known as the:

Accepted Answer

Brain development spurt

Answer

Synaptic pruning

Answer

Myelination

Answer

Neurogenesis

Question 30

According to attachment theory, which type of attachment style is characterized by a secure and trusting relationship between a child and their caregiver?

Accepted Answer

Secure attachment

Answer

Avoidant attachment

Answer

Anxious-ambivalent attachment

Answer

Disorganized attachment

Question 31

The influence of genetics on an individual's development is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Nature

Answer

Nurture

Answer

Epigenetics

Answer

Environment

Question 32

The process by which the nervous system adapts to new experiences and changes in the environment is known as:

Accepted Answer

Neural plasticity

Answer

Synaptic pruning

Answer

Myelination

Answer

Neurogenesis

Question 33

The term 'attachment' refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Emotional bond between a child and their caregiver

Answer

Physical closeness between a child and their caregiver

Answer

Cognitive understanding of the relationship between a child and their caregiver

Answer

Behavioral dependence of a child on their caregiver

Question 34

The process of natural childbirth is primarily triggered by a surge in:

Accepted Answer

Oxytocin

Answer

Progesterone

Answer

Estrogen

Answer

Endorphins

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT a physical milestone typically achieved during the first year of infancy?

Accepted Answer

Walking without assistance

Answer

Sitting up independently

Answer

Crawling

Answer

Reaching for objects

Question 36

The process by which infants form a mental representation of their body and its movements is known as:

Accepted Answer

Body schema development

Answer

Self-awareness

Answer

Social referencing

Answer

Motor development

Question 37

Which of the following factors is considered a protective factor against developmental delays in infants?

Accepted Answer

Responsive parenting

Answer

Low birth weight

Answer

Premature birth

Answer

Maternal substance use

Question 38

The period of rapid brain growth that occurs primarily during the first two years of life and involves the formation of new neural connections is known as:

Accepted Answer

Synaptogenesis

Answer

Neurogenesis

Answer

Axonogenesis

Answer

Myelination

Question 39

In Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which stage is characterized by the emergence of object permanence?

Accepted Answer

Sensorimotor stage

Answer

Preoperational stage

Answer

Formal operational stage

Answer

Concrete operational stage

Question 40

The ability of infants to imitate actions and gestures is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Imitation

Answer

Social referencing

Answer

Object permanence

Answer

Attachment

Question 41

Which of the following is a reflex present in newborns that helps them find the mother's breast for feeding?

Accepted Answer

Rooting reflex

Answer

Grasp reflex

Answer

Babinski reflex

Answer

Moro reflex

Question 42

The structure that connects the fetus to the placenta and allows for the exchange of nutrients and oxygen is the:

Accepted Answer

Umbilical cord

Answer

Trophoblast

Answer

Chorion

Answer

Amnion

Question 43

Which developmental milestone, typically achieved during infancy, involves the infant moving using their hands and knees?

Accepted Answer

Crawling

Answer

Standing upright

Answer

Rolling over

Answer

Sitting unsupported

Question 44

According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which stage is characterized by infants exploring and learning about their world through their senses and motor actions?

Accepted Answer

Sensorimotor

Answer

Formal operational

Answer

Preoperational

Answer

Concrete operational

Question 45

Which factor is NOT known to influence the formation of secure attachments in infancy?

Accepted Answer

Parental income

Answer

Parental responsiveness

Answer

Temperament

Answer

Caregiver sensitivity

Question 46

Which reflex, present in newborns, allows them to reflexively turn their head towards a source of warmth or food?

Accepted Answer

Rooting reflex

Answer

Moro reflex

Answer

Babinski reflex

Answer

Grasping reflex

Question 47

What is the typical duration of a human pregnancy, measured from conception to birth?

Accepted Answer

40 weeks

Answer

36 weeks

Answer

44 weeks

Answer

48 weeks

Question 48

What is the primary function of the amniotic sac during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Providing a protective and cushioned environment for the developing fetus

Answer

Regulating fetal body temperature

Answer

Providing nourishment to the fetus

Answer

Facilitating fetal movement

Question 49

What does the acronym 'APGAR' stand for in the context of newborn assessment?

Accepted Answer

Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration

Answer

Appearance, Pulse, Grimmace, Attention, Reflexes

Answer

Appearance, Pulse, Groan, Ability, Respiration

Answer

Alertness, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration