chap3 p2 Flashcards
Describe habituation procedures in infant testing.
Habituation procedures measure decreased responsiveness to a stimulus after repeated presentations, used to test cognitive and perceptual processes, and are predictive of later cognitive ability.
How is an infant’s initial measurement taken during a habituation procedure?
The initial measurement involves measuring the baseline rate of sucking using a pacifier equipped with transducers.
Define the auditory stimulus used in a habituation procedure example.
An auditory stimulus, such as the sound ‘da,’ is presented to the infant to observe changes in sucking rates.
What indicates habituation in infants during the auditory stimulus test?
Habituation is indicated when the rate of sucking increases with a new sound and then decreases to baseline as the sound is repeatedly presented.
How can discrimination tests be conducted with infants?
Discrimination tests can be conducted by presenting a different sound, such as ‘ma,’ to see if the sucking rate increases again, indicating the infant can discriminate between the two stimuli.
What predictive outcomes are associated with the speed and efficiency of habituation in infants?
The speed and efficiency of habituation can predict behaviors related to language acquisition and overall intelligence, with slower habituation linked to increased risk for developmental delays.
Identify high-risk groups of infants studied in relation to habituation.
High-risk groups include infants with Down syndrome, those exposed to teratogens, malnourished infants, and premature infants.
What is considered the ideal diet for newborns?
Breast milk is considered the ideal diet for newborns.
What is colostrum and why is it important?
Colostrum is the first breast milk produced during pregnancy and just after birth, rich in nutrients and antibodies, often referred to as ‘liquid gold’.
How does breast milk change after the first few days post-birth?
Breast milk becomes thinner by the third to fifth day after birth but contains the right balance of fat, sugar, water, and proteins for the infant’s development.
What are some advantages of breastfeeding for infants?
Breastfeeding provides antibodies that reduce illness risk and is easier to digest than formula, leading to fewer digestive issues.
List some benefits of breastfeeding for mothers.
Breastfeeding helps the uterus regain pre-pregnancy size, lowers rates of breast/ovarian cancer and diabetes, and is cost-effective.
What challenges do breastfeeding mothers face according to USDHHS recommendations?
Many mothers stop breastfeeding by 6-8 weeks due to lack of support from workplaces and healthcare providers, despite recommendations to exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months.
When should solid foods be introduced to an infant?
Solid foods should be introduced when the infant shows readiness, such as being able to sit up without support and showing interest in foods.
What are the first semi-solid foods recommended for infants?
The first semi-solid foods recommended are iron-fortified infant cereals mixed with breast milk or formula, such as rice, oatmeal, or barley.
What should be monitored when introducing new foods to infants?
New foods should be introduced one at a time, monitored for allergies, and fed for a few days to allow adjustment.
What types of finger foods can be introduced to infants by 10-12 months?
Finger foods such as toast squares, cooked vegetable strips, and peeled soft fruit can be introduced by 10-12 months.
Describe the types of foods to avoid for children until individual ingredients are assessed.
Foods with multiple ingredients, sticky foods like peanut butter and taffy, large chunks such as cheese and harder meats, and firm, round foods like hard candies, grapes, and cherry tomatoes should be avoided.
Define infantile marasmus and its effects on children.
Infantile marasmus refers to starvation due to a lack of calories and protein, leading to loss of fat and muscle until the body can no longer function.
How does breastfeeding impact the risk of malnutrition in infants?
Babies who are breastfed are much less at risk of malnutrition compared to those who are bottle-fed.
Explain kwashiorkor and its symptoms.
Kwashiorkor affects children weaned from breastfeeding, particularly those with protein-deficient diets, and symptoms include loss of appetite and abdominal swelling as the body breaks down vital organs for protein.
What are the consequences of wasting in children?
The consequences of wasting depend on how late in the progression of the disease medical treatment is sought; delayed treatment can lead to high mortality rates.
Describe the impact of early malnutrition on children’s cognitive development.
Children with a history of serious malnutrition in the first few years of life may experience lower IQ scores, poor attention, and behavioral issues in the classroom.
Define schema in the context of Piaget’s theory.
A schema is a framework for organizing information that helps individuals understand and interpret the world.
How do assimilation and accommodation differ in cognitive development?
Assimilation involves fitting new information into an existing schema, while accommodation involves expanding the framework of knowledge to include new situations.
What is the sensorimotor stage in Piaget’s theory of cognitive development?
The sensorimotor stage is the first stage of cognitive development, where infants learn about the world primarily through their senses and motor abilities.
Describe the first substage of the sensorimotor stage.
Substage 1 (0-1 month) involves reflexes, where newborns learn through reflexive actions like sucking, reaching, and grasping that become more deliberate over time.
What characterizes the second substage of the sensorimotor stage?
Substage 2 (1–4 months) is characterized by primary circular reactions, where infants engage in repeated activities centered on their own bodies, leading to new behaviors.
Describe the significance of object permanence in infant development.
Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight. It is a critical milestone during the sensorimotor period, typically acquired by 8 months, indicating that infants can mentally represent their world.
How do infants demonstrate the development of object permanence according to Piaget’s study?
In Piaget’s study, infants who had developed object permanence would reach for a hidden toy, showing they understood it still existed, while those who had not developed this concept would appear confused when the toy was hidden.
Define secondary circular reactions in the context of infant development.
Secondary circular reactions occur in infants aged 4 to 8 months, where they deliberately interact with objects in their environment, finding joy in making things happen, such as banging lids together.
