Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Which generalization about gross motor skill development is valid?

1. The sequence of development of gross motor skills is unpredictable.

2. There can be wide age variations in children's development of certain gross motor skills.

3. Practice has no influence on the development of gross motor skills.

4. Babies who are not walking by 1 year should be examined immediately.

The correct answer is: There can be wide age variations in children's development of certain gross motor skills.

The validity of the selected answer relates to the understanding that development of gross motor skills in children can vary significantly from one child to another. Children may reach milestones like crawling, standing, and walking at different ages, influenced by factors such as individual growth rates, opportunities for practice, and environmental conditions. This variation is normal in child development, illustrating that while there are general milestones, the timing can differ widely among children. The other options do not align with established knowledge on gross motor skill development. The first choice suggests that the sequence is unpredictable, whereas, in fact, there is a generally recognized sequence that most children follow, even if the timing varies. The third option erroneously claims that practice has no influence on skill development; in reality, practice is crucial for mastering gross motor skills. Lastly, the final statement implies that immediate examination is required for a baby not walking by one year, which can be overly prescriptive since many children might walk later without indicating any developmental issues.