Prenatal and Infant Development: A Comprehensive Guide for Psychology Students

Question 1

Which of the following correctly describes the chronological sequence of prenatal stages?

Accepted Answer

Germinal, embryonic, fetal

Answer

Embryonic, fetal, germinal

Answer

Fetal, embryonic, germinal

Answer

Germinal, fetal, embryonic

Question 2

What is the main function of the placenta during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

To provide oxygen and nutrients to the fetus

Answer

To remove waste products from the fetus

Answer

To regulate the temperature of the fetus

Answer

To protect the fetus from external threats

Question 3

Which of the following reflexes is NOT present in newborns?

Accepted Answer

Pupillary reflex

Answer

Grasp reflex

Answer

Babinski reflex

Answer

Rooting reflex

Question 4

What is the term for the emotional bond that develops between an infant and their primary caregiver?

Accepted Answer

Secure attachment

Answer

Insecure attachment

Answer

Ambivalent attachment

Answer

Avoidant attachment

Question 5

Piaget's sensorimotor stage of cognitive development is characterized by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Object permanence

Answer

Symbolic representation

Answer

Abstract reasoning

Answer

Hypothetical thinking

Question 6

Which factor is NOT associated with an increased risk of preterm birth?

Accepted Answer

Regular prenatal care

Answer

Maternal smoking

Answer

Advanced maternal age

Answer

Multiple pregnancies

Question 7

What is the commonly used term for sudden infant death syndrome?

Accepted Answer

SIDS

Answer

Apnea of prematurity

Answer

Respiratory distress syndrome

Answer

Necrotizing enterocolitis

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of a characteristic of a secure attachment style in infants??

Accepted Answer

Infant is easily comforted by the caregiver after separation.

Answer

Infant cries excessively when separated from the caregiver.

Answer

Infant displays distress when strangers approach.

Answer

Infant avoids interaction with the caregiver.

Question 9

What is the primary reason for the rapid increase in brain size during infancy?

Accepted Answer

Formation of new neural connections

Answer

Increased production of neurotransmitters

Answer

Myelination of existing neural pathways

Answer

Overall growth in brain volume

Question 10

Which hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Progesterone

Answer

Estrogen

Answer

Testosterone

Answer

Oxytocin

Question 11

The cephalocaudal principle of development refers to:

Accepted Answer

Development proceeding from head to toe

Answer

Development proceeding from general to specific

Answer

Development proceeding from proximal to distal

Answer

Development proceeding from social to cognitive

Question 12

Which of the following is a characteristic of Piaget's sensorimotor stage of cognitive development?

Accepted Answer

Object permanence

Answer

Egocentrism

Answer

Symbolic representation

Answer

Abstract reasoning

Question 13

The primary caregiver in an infant's life is typically referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Mother

Answer

Father

Answer

Guardian

Answer

Sibling

Question 14

The term 'maternal instinct' is:

Accepted Answer

A combination of biological and social factors

Answer

A biologically-based drive to care for children

Answer

A socially-constructed concept

Answer

A myth with no scientific basis

Question 15

Which of the following is a critical period for language development?

Accepted Answer

6 months to 2 years

Answer

Birth to 6 months

Answer

2 to 5 years

Answer

5 to 7 years

Question 16

What is the scientific term that refers to the rapid development and production of brain cells, especially synapses and dendrites, that peaks during infancy?

Accepted Answer

Synaptogenesis

Answer

Myelination

Answer

Axonogenesis

Answer

Dendritogenesis

Question 17

Which characteristic is consistent with secure attachment in infancy?

Accepted Answer

Comfort and reliance in the presence of the primary caregiver

Answer

Avoidance and discomfort in the presence of the primary caregiver

Answer

Indifference and lack of interest in the presence of the primary caregiver

Answer

Aggression and resistance in the presence of the primary caregiver

Question 18

Which sensory ability does NOT typically develop during infancy?

Accepted Answer

Abstract reasoning

Answer

Vision

Answer

Hearing

Answer

Taste

Question 19

Choose the option that does NOT represent a stage of prenatal development.

Accepted Answer

Postnatal

Answer

Embryonic

Answer

Fetal

Answer

Germinal

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the cephalocaudal development pattern?

Accepted Answer

Development progresses from the head downwards.

Answer

Development occurs from the limbs inwards.

Answer

Development expands from the center outwards.

Answer

Development proceeds from the feet upwards.

Question 21

Identify the primary role of the placenta during pregnancy.

Accepted Answer

Exchanging nutrients, oxygen and removing waste between mother and fetus.

Answer

Producing essential hormones for fetal growth.

Answer

Providing a barrier against external harm.

Answer

Facilitating the development of fetal organs.

Question 22

What triggers the Moro reflex in infants?

Accepted Answer

Sudden loss of support

Answer

Loud noise

Answer

Touch on the cheek

Answer

Exposure to bright light

Question 23

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

Accepted Answer

Preoperational

Answer

Sensorimotor

Answer

Concrete operational

Answer

Formal operational

Question 24

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

Accepted Answer

Infancy

Answer

Germinal

Answer

Embryonic

Answer

Fetal

Question 25

Which hormone primarily triggers uterine contractions during labor?

Accepted Answer

Oxytocin

Answer

Estrogen

Answer

Progesterone

Answer

Testosterone

Question 26

What is the reflex that aids newborns in finding their mother's nipple for feeding?

Accepted Answer

Rooting reflex

Answer

Sucking reflex

Answer

Grasping reflex

Answer

Startle reflex

Question 27

Which theory of cognitive development highlights the significance of social interactions?

Accepted Answer

Vygotsky's theory

Answer

Piaget's theory

Answer

Erikson's theory

Answer

Freud's theory

Question 28

What ability enables infants to innately recognize and respond to human faces?

Accepted Answer

Face recognition

Answer

Object permanence

Answer

Social referencing

Answer

Stranger anxiety

Question 29

What term refers to the period of rapid brain growth and development in infancy?

Accepted Answer

Synaptogenesis

Answer

Neonatal period

Answer

Sensorimotor period

Answer

Myelination

Question 30

What is the term for the development of individual differences in personality and emotional reactivity?

Accepted Answer

Differential susceptibility

Answer

Gene-environment interaction

Answer

Epigenetics

Answer

Behavioral genetics

Question 31

How does maternal dietary intake impact the well-being of the developing fetus?

Accepted Answer

Ensures adequate fetal growth and reduces developmental risks.

Answer

Has no significant impact on fetal outcomes.

Answer

Increases the likelihood of preterm birth and low birth weight.

Question 32

'Quickening' refers to the first:

Accepted Answer

Visible fetal movements

Answer

Fetal heartbeat

Answer

Sudden increase in maternal weight

Answer

Placenta formation

Question 33

Which neurochemical plays a role in infant attachment and bonding?

Accepted Answer

Oxytocin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Glutamate

Question 34

The period of rapid brain development occurring within the first two years of life is termed:

Accepted Answer

Synaptogenesis

Answer

Myelination

Answer

Pruning

Answer

Lateralization

Question 35

In most cases, the primary attachment figure for infants is the:

Accepted Answer

Mother

Answer

Father

Answer

Grandparent

Answer

Daycare provider

Question 36

Which reflex is NOT present in newborn infants?

Accepted Answer

Stepping reflex

Answer

Rooting reflex

Answer

Grasp reflex

Answer

Sucking reflex

Question 37

The process responsible for replacing old red blood cells with new ones is:

Accepted Answer

Erythropoiesis

Answer

Hemolysis

Answer

Anemia

Answer

Leukemia

Question 38

The period of rapid weight gain and growth occurring in the first six months of life is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Infancy

Answer

Toddlerhood

Answer

Preschool

Answer

Childhood

Question 39

During which specific period of prenatal development are irreversible effects on the developing fetus most likely to occur in response to certain exposures?

Accepted Answer

First trimester

Answer

Second trimester

Answer

Third trimester

Answer

Fourth trimester

Question 40

Which attachment style is characterized by infants feeling secure, trusting, and confidently exploring their environment?

Accepted Answer

Secure attachment

Answer

Avoidant attachment

Answer

Anxious-ambivalent attachment

Answer

Disorganized attachment

Question 41

What is the reflex that allows infants to instinctively grasp objects and hold on to them?

Accepted Answer

Palmar grasp reflex

Answer

Babinski reflex

Answer

Moro reflex

Answer

Rooting reflex

Question 42

Which theory posits that infants learn through observing and imitating the actions of their caregivers?

Accepted Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Cognitive development theory

Answer

Attachment theory

Answer

Psychoanalytic theory

Question 43

Which ethical principle is most important in deciding whether to share prenatal testing results with expecting parents?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 44

How do consistent and predictable interactions between caregivers and infants contribute to the formation of a secure attachment style in infants?

Accepted Answer

They create a sense of safety, security, and predictability, fostering trust and confidence in others.

Answer

They allow infants to develop a broader range of social and emotional skills through exposure to diverse experiences.

Answer

They facilitate language development through playful and engaging interactions.

Answer

They encourage infants to develop independence and self-reliance by providing opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Question 45

Highlight the major cognitive and linguistic milestones typically achieved by infants within the first year of life.

Accepted Answer

Object permanence, imitation, and single words

Answer

Stranger anxiety, secure attachment, and complex sentences

Answer

Preoperational thinking, pretend play, and complete sentences

Answer

Echolalia, telegraphic speech, and basic command comprehension

Question 46

During which stage of embryonic development does rapid cell division and differentiation occur, leading to the formation of the three germ layers?

Accepted Answer

Gastrulation

Answer

Zygote stage

Answer

Neural tube stage

Answer

Blastocyst stage

Question 47

According to Piaget's theory, infants in the sensorimotor stage primarily learn through:

Accepted Answer

Direct sensory experiences and interactions with objects

Answer

Social interaction and imitation

Answer

Abstract reasoning and problem-solving

Answer

Language and symbolic representation

Question 48

The Apgar score is a standard assessment used to evaluate a newborn's:

Accepted Answer

Overall health and vitality immediately after birth

Answer

Motor development

Answer

Cognitive abilities

Answer

Social skills

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT a well-established benefit of breastfeeding for infants?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of allergies

Answer

Reduced risk of gastrointestinal infections

Answer

Improved cognitive development

Answer

Enhanced immune function

Question 50

The transition from fetus to newborn is marked by a:

Accepted Answer

Sudden decrease in oxygen supply from the placenta

Answer

Constant regulation of body temperature

Answer

Gradual increase in blood glucose levels

Answer

Maintenance of the same pH level