Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

What is the current thinking regarding inborn cognitive capabilities in infants?

1. Researchers are reasonably certain that infants know about object permanence.

2. Researchers unanimously agree on the question of inborn cognitive capabilities.

3. Piaget was correct about infants having limited cognitive capabilities.

4. Researchers are not in agreement on the question of inborn cognitive capabilities.

The correct answer is: Researchers are not in agreement on the question of inborn cognitive capabilities.

The current understanding of inborn cognitive capabilities in infants is complex and varies among researchers. Many studies have shown that infants may possess a level of innate knowledge or cognitive skills that were previously underestimated. For instance, some evidence suggests that young infants can grasp certain concepts, such as basic physics or social dynamics, even before they have extensive experiential learning. However, there is still considerable debate in the field regarding the extent and nature of these inborn capabilities. Some researchers advocate for a more nativist perspective, suggesting that infants are born with certain cognitive structures, while others emphasize the role of experience and learning in cognitive development. This lack of consensus reflects a broader ongoing dialogue in developmental psychology about how much of cognition is inherent versus learned. Other options, while touching on relevant ideas, do not capture the nuanced position held by researchers today. For example, the assertion that researchers are "reasonably certain" about infants understanding object permanence does not take into account the variability in research findings or theoretical perspectives. Similarly, claiming that researchers unanimously agree on inborn cognitive capabilities oversimplifies the current discourse, which is rich with differing viewpoints and ongoing research. Furthermore, while Piaget's contributions to understanding infant cognition are foundational, contemporary research has identified more sophisticated capabilities than he