Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

What new abilities emerge when a child is around 9 months of age?

1. no longer grabbing for items out of reach

2. grabbing for an object but failing to close a hand around it

3. good coordination of the thumb and forefinger

4. increasing inhibition of action and guiding movements with a single glance

The correct answer is: increasing inhibition of action and guiding movements with a single glance

As children approach 9 months of age, they exhibit remarkable advancements in their motor and cognitive development. One significant ability that emerges during this stage is the increasing inhibition of actions, meaning that children start to recognize and control their impulsive movements more effectively. This newfound ability allows infants to guide their actions based on visual cues, enabling them to direct their movements with more precision simply by observing an object or a person. This ability reflects a greater level of cognitive processing, as the child begins to understand the concepts of intention and outcome. It indicates the development of coordinated eye-hand movements and anticipatory actions. For example, when a child looks at a toy and reaches for it while maintaining control, this illustrates a combination of visual tracking and motor planning that is part of their emerging skill set. As a result, the child can not only reach for items but can also navigate their movements in response to visual stimuli, showcasing their cognitive and physical growth during this period.