Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Infants find it easier to reason about cause and effect when the involved objects are:

1. Real objects

2. Moving rapidly

3. Simple shapes

4. Unfamiliar

The correct answer is: Simple shapes

Infants tend to find it easier to reason about cause and effect when the involved objects are simple shapes. This is primarily because simple shapes have fewer complexities and variables that could distract the infants from understanding the relationships between actions and outcomes. When objects are uncomplicated, infants can focus their attention on the basic principles of causality without being overwhelmed by additional features or attributes. This allows them to form clearer connections between what they observe and the results of those observations, facilitating their cognitive development in understanding cause and effect. In contrast, real objects may introduce complexities such as texture and different physical properties that could make it harder for infants to grasp straightforward causal relationships. Similarly, rapidly moving objects might capture their attention but can also create confusion regarding the nature of the causation due to the speed and unpredictable motion involved. Unfamiliar objects may invoke curiosity but can complicate the infant's ability to relate them to known outcomes or prior knowledge. Simple shapes therefore provide a more conducive environment for learning about causation, aligning with what developmental researchers have observed about infant cognition.