PSYC 140 Module 3 Exam Study Guide & Test Bank
| Portage Learning Psychology | Comprehensive
Questions, Answers & Rationales
This comprehensive study resource is designed for students preparing for the PSYC 140
Module 1 Exam. It includes multiple-choice questions derived from key course concepts,
with highlighted correct answers and detailed rationales to enhance understanding and
retention.
Question 1: Which of the following statements about infancy is true?
A) Infancy is one of the slowest periods of development across the lifespan.
B) Infancy is one of the most rapid periods of development across the lifespan.
C) Developmental speed during infancy is average compared to other life stages.
D) Infancy is a period of no significant developmental changes.
Rationale: The correct answer is B because infancy is characterized by rapid physical,
cognitive, and emotional development, making it one of the most rapid periods across the
lifespan. Option A is incorrect because infancy is not slow in development; it is actually very
fast. Option C understates the rapid development, and Option D is incorrect as it falsely claims
there are no significant changes during infancy.
--------------------
Question 2: Which sensory preference are infants born with?
A) Preference for their father's smell
B) Preference for bitter tastes
C) Preference for their mother's smell
D) Preference for their mother's education level
Rationale: The correct answer is C because research shows that infants are born with a
preference for their mother's smell, which helps in bonding and recognition. Option A is
incorrect as infants do not show a preference for father's smell at birth. Option B is incorrect
because infants generally prefer sweet tastes and tend to reject bitter tastes. Option D is not
supported by evidence, as infants cannot perceive or prefer educational levels.
--------------------
, Question 3: The reflex observed when an adult places a finger in an infant's palm and
the infant immediately closes his fingers around the adult's finger is called the:
A) Rooting reflex
B) Stepping reflex
C) Moro reflex
D) Palmar grasp reflex
Rationale: The correct answer is D, the palmar grasp reflex, which is present in infants when
they automatically close their fingers around an object placed in their palm. Option A, the
rooting reflex, involves turning the head toward a touch on the cheek. Option B, the stepping
reflex, involves making stepping motions when feet touch a surface. Option C, the Moro reflex,
is a startle response. Therefore, D accurately describes the described behavior.
--------------------
Question 4: Which statement about the palmar grasp reflex in infants is accurate?
A) The palmar grasp is usually flaccid and weak.
B) The palmar grasp is a strong and well-coordinated reflex in infancy.
C) Infants do not exhibit the palmar grasp reflex.
D) The palmar grasp reflex develops in late childhood.
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the palmar grasp reflex in infants tends to be
relatively weak and flaccid compared to later voluntary grips. Option B overstates the strength
and coordination of this reflex. Option C is incorrect since the palmar grasp reflex is a well-
documented infant reflex. Option D is incorrect as the reflex is present from birth, not
something developing in late childhood.
--------------------
Question 5: Which of the following tastes do infants typically prefer at birth?
A) Bitter
B) Sweet
C) Sour
D) Salty
Rationale: The correct answer is B as infants show an innate preference for sweet tastes which
may be linked to evolutionary advantages (e.g., recognizing energy-rich foods). Option A is
| Portage Learning Psychology | Comprehensive
Questions, Answers & Rationales
This comprehensive study resource is designed for students preparing for the PSYC 140
Module 1 Exam. It includes multiple-choice questions derived from key course concepts,
with highlighted correct answers and detailed rationales to enhance understanding and
retention.
Question 1: Which of the following statements about infancy is true?
A) Infancy is one of the slowest periods of development across the lifespan.
B) Infancy is one of the most rapid periods of development across the lifespan.
C) Developmental speed during infancy is average compared to other life stages.
D) Infancy is a period of no significant developmental changes.
Rationale: The correct answer is B because infancy is characterized by rapid physical,
cognitive, and emotional development, making it one of the most rapid periods across the
lifespan. Option A is incorrect because infancy is not slow in development; it is actually very
fast. Option C understates the rapid development, and Option D is incorrect as it falsely claims
there are no significant changes during infancy.
--------------------
Question 2: Which sensory preference are infants born with?
A) Preference for their father's smell
B) Preference for bitter tastes
C) Preference for their mother's smell
D) Preference for their mother's education level
Rationale: The correct answer is C because research shows that infants are born with a
preference for their mother's smell, which helps in bonding and recognition. Option A is
incorrect as infants do not show a preference for father's smell at birth. Option B is incorrect
because infants generally prefer sweet tastes and tend to reject bitter tastes. Option D is not
supported by evidence, as infants cannot perceive or prefer educational levels.
--------------------
, Question 3: The reflex observed when an adult places a finger in an infant's palm and
the infant immediately closes his fingers around the adult's finger is called the:
A) Rooting reflex
B) Stepping reflex
C) Moro reflex
D) Palmar grasp reflex
Rationale: The correct answer is D, the palmar grasp reflex, which is present in infants when
they automatically close their fingers around an object placed in their palm. Option A, the
rooting reflex, involves turning the head toward a touch on the cheek. Option B, the stepping
reflex, involves making stepping motions when feet touch a surface. Option C, the Moro reflex,
is a startle response. Therefore, D accurately describes the described behavior.
--------------------
Question 4: Which statement about the palmar grasp reflex in infants is accurate?
A) The palmar grasp is usually flaccid and weak.
B) The palmar grasp is a strong and well-coordinated reflex in infancy.
C) Infants do not exhibit the palmar grasp reflex.
D) The palmar grasp reflex develops in late childhood.
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the palmar grasp reflex in infants tends to be
relatively weak and flaccid compared to later voluntary grips. Option B overstates the strength
and coordination of this reflex. Option C is incorrect since the palmar grasp reflex is a well-
documented infant reflex. Option D is incorrect as the reflex is present from birth, not
something developing in late childhood.
--------------------
Question 5: Which of the following tastes do infants typically prefer at birth?
A) Bitter
B) Sweet
C) Sour
D) Salty
Rationale: The correct answer is B as infants show an innate preference for sweet tastes which
may be linked to evolutionary advantages (e.g., recognizing energy-rich foods). Option A is
