Socio Emotional Development in Infancy

What is the primary way infants express their emotions before they learn to speak?

• A) Smiling

• B) Pointing

• C) Crying

Answer explanation

Crying is the primary way infants communicate their emotions (like hunger, discomfort, fear, or the need for attention) before they develop speech or more advanced forms of expression like gestures or facial cues.

At what age do infants typically develop a sense of attachment to a primary caregiver?

• A) 1-2 months

• B) 6-8 moths

• C) 12-14 months

• D) 18-20 months

Infants are not capable of recognizing facial expressions until after their first birthday.

• TRUE

• FALSE

At what age do babies show clear emotions?

• A) 2 months

• B) 6 months

• C) 12 months

Answer explanation

Most babies start to show clear emotions like smiling, anger, fear, and sadness by 6 months (NCBI, 2020).

What is social referencing?

• A) Looking at others' reactions

• B) Copying toys

• C) Babbling

Answer explanation

Social referencing is when a baby looks at the caregiver’s reaction to decide how to respond, especially in uncertain situations.

Who usually plays more with the baby?

• A) None

• B) Mother

• C) Teacher

• D) Father

Answer explanation

Fathers often engage in more physical and playful interactions, which helps develop a baby’s sense of adventure (Lamb & Lewis, 2015).

What is the process where parents and babies learn from each other?

• A) Parallel play

• B) Daycare learning

• C) Reciprocal Socialisation

• D) Attachment

Answer explanation

• This process is where both parents and babies influence each other’s emotional and social growth.

Which of the following is the primary emotion that appears in the first six months of life?

• A) Guilt

• B) Jealousy

• C) Joy

• D) Pride

Answer explanation

Primary emotions such as joy, anger, sadness, fear, surprise, and disgust appear in the first six months of life. These emotions are innate and universal. Emotions like guilt, pride, and jealousy are self-conscious emotions, which typically emerge around 18–24 months, once a child has developed self-awareness.

• What are the purpose of mirror test in infant development studies?

• A) To assess motor skills

• B) To measure visual tracking

• C) To test memories

• D) To evaluate self recognition

Answer explanation

The mirror test, also called the rouge test, is used to determine whether an infant can recognize themselves in a mirror. A spot of rouge or lipstick is placed on the infant’s nose, and if they try to wipe it off while looking in the mirror, it indicates self-recognition. This usually happens around 18–24 months of age.

What type of temperament is described as having a positive mood, regular routines, and adaptability to new situations?

• A) Difficult child

• B) Easy child

• C) Slow-to-warm-up child

• D) Reactive child

Answer explanation

According to Thomas and Chess's temperament theory, an easy child is generally in a positive mood, establishes regular routines, and adapts easily to new experiences. This is in contrast to a difficult child (who reacts negatively and irregularly) and a slow-to-warm-up child (who has low activity levels and tends to withdraw initially but warms up gradually).