Chapter 5

Question 1

Dynamic systems theory

Answer 1

theory that states infants develop motor skills through an active process. child actively puts together a skill to achieve a goal within the constraints set by their body and environment; suggests that perceptions are necessary for infants to fine tune movements and motor skills represent infants solutions to their goals

Question 2

rooting reflex

Answer 2

occurs when an infant’s cheek is stroked or side of mouth is touched, infant turns head toward side it was touched and tries to find something to suck

Question 3

sucking reflex

Answer 3

occurs when newborns suck an object placed in their mouth; enables newborns to get nutrients before they have associated nipples with food; it’s also self-soothing or self-regulating mechanism

Question 4

moro reflex

Answer 4

intense movement or noise causes infant to arch back, throw back head, and fling out limbs, then they rapidly closing arms and legs.

Question 5

grasping reflex

Answer 5

occurs when something touches infants palm, infant grasps tightly; diminishes at 4 months & infants show more voluntary grasp

Question 6

gross motor skills

Answer 6

involve large muscle activities such as moving one’s arms and walking; require postural control

Question 7

posture

Answer 7

dynamic process that is linked w/ sensory info in the skin, joints, & muscles, which tells us where we are in space

Question 8

fine motor skills

Answer 8

finely tuned movements (buttoning shirts, typing, etc.)

Question 9

sensation

Answer 9

info interacts w/ sensory receptors (eyes, ears, nostrils, skin, tongue)

Question 10

perception

Answer 10

interpretation of what is sensed