Motor, Sensory, and Perceptual Development in Infancy

What is motor development?

The process of learning to move and control one's body.

What was the old school thinking about motor development?

It was believed to be a pre-programmed sequence based on genetics.

What does dynamic systems theory propose about motor skills?

It suggests that babies learn motor skills through trial and error, motivated by desire.

What are the four big ideas in dynamic systems theory?

Embodied, embedded, inculturated, and enabling.

What does 'embodied' refer to in motor development?

How physical changes in the body influence movement abilities.

What does 'embedded' mean in the context of motor development?

How the environment shapes movements and requires adaptation.

What is the concept of 'inculturated' in motor development?

How social and cultural factors influence motor skills and development.

What is meant by 'enabling' in motor development?

How gaining motor skills allows babies to explore and interact with their environment.

What are reflexes?

Automatic, pre-programmed responses that help infants survive.

Give an example of a reflex and its purpose.

The rooting reflex helps babies find food by turning their head towards a touch on their cheek.

What happens to certain reflexes as babies mature?

Some reflexes fade away as babies gain more control over their movements.

What is the significance of the grasping reflex?

It lays the groundwork for intentional grasping and reaching later on.

What is the foundation for gross motor skills?

Posture, which is essential for balance and movement.

What is the typical order of gross motor skill development in infants?

Head control, lifting head and chest, sitting with support, sitting independently, pulling up to stand, standing alone, and walking.

How do babies demonstrate stepping motions before they can walk?

They make stepping motions when held upright, indicating early neural pathways for walking.

What role does balance play in walking?

Balance is crucial for shifting weight and swinging legs forward without falling.

How do cultural practices influence motor development?

Different cultures have varying approaches to encouraging movement, affecting developmental milestones.

What is the impact of tight swaddling on motor development?

It can slow down the development of motor skills by restricting movement.

What is the moral reflex?

A startle response where babies throw their arms out if they feel like they are falling.

How do early reflexes contribute to later motor skills?

They provide practice for later skills, like the grasping reflex leading to intentional reaching.

What is the significance of motivation in motor skill development?

Motivation drives babies to experiment and refine their movements.

What is the role of the nervous system in motor development?

It coordinates muscle control and movement based on sensory input.

How does the environment challenge motor development?

It presents obstacles that require adaptation and learning to move differently.

What is the relationship between motor skills and cognitive development?

As babies gain motor skills, they explore more, which enhances cognitive and language development.

What is the significance of the stepping reflex?

It indicates the presence of neural pathways for walking even before independent walking occurs.

What is the importance of early experiences in motor development?

They shape how quickly and effectively infants reach developmental milestones.

How do babies learn to adapt their movements?

Through trial and error, refining their skills based on what works and what doesn't.

What is the role of muscle control in reaching for objects?

It is necessary for coordinating movements to successfully grasp items.

What is the primary focus of walking development in infants?

It's about balance, not just learning the steps.

What does the term 'specificity of learning' refer to in the context of infant motor skills?

It means that skills learned in one context may not transfer to another, such as crawling down a slope versus walking.

How many steps do babies typically take while learning to walk?

Thousands of steps and numerous falls every hour.

What do babies do before attempting to walk across bridges of different widths?

They assess the bridge to adjust their walking strategy.

What are some factors that can affect the timing of motor milestones in infants?

Experience, such as sleeping position recommendations, and individual differences like size and breastfeeding.

What gross motor skills do toddlers develop during their second year?

Running, squatting, standing up, walking backward, kicking a ball, and jumping.

Why is it important for toddlers to practice gross motor skills?

It helps them adapt their movements and explore their environment.

What gross motor skills do preschoolers typically exhibit?

Hopping, jumping, running, climbing, and playing games like tag.

At what age do children generally master sports and more coordinated movements?

In middle childhood.

What impact does early development of gross motor skills have on children?

It can influence social inclusion in games and sports and overall activity levels later in life.

What happens to gross motor skills as people transition from adolescence to adulthood?

They typically peak in performance before age 30 and then gradually decline.

What are some physical declines that occur after age 30?

Decreased cardiovascular function, muscle strength, bone density, and flexibility.

Why is staying active important for older adults?

It helps maintain mobility, independence, and can positively affect cognitive function.

What is a significant risk for older adults related to mobility?

Falls, which can lead to serious injuries like hip fractures.

How does biological age differ from chronological age in terms of motor skills?

Healthy and active individuals experience less severe declines in motor skills as they age.

What are fine motor skills primarily concerned with?

Tiny, detailed movements, especially with hands and fingers.

What is the progression of reaching skills in infants?

Starts clumsily, then develops into more controlled movements using shoulders, elbows, and eventually wrists and hands.

What grasp do infants develop by the end of their first year?

The pincer grip, which is effective for picking up small objects.

How does vision influence an infant's grasping ability?

Younger babies rely on touch, but by eight months, they start using vision to plan their hand movements.

What was the significance of the sticky mittens studies?

They demonstrated the importance of practice and experience in developing grasping skills.

What role does practice play in the development of motor skills in infants?

Practice is crucial for refining movements and improving coordination.

What can influence the timing of when babies reach motor milestones?

Factors like individual growth rates, environmental experiences, and parental practices.

What is the importance of interaction and exploration in motor skill development?

It enriches learning from the environment and enhances overall development.

What are some gross motor skills that develop in children during early childhood?

Running, jumping, climbing, and playing games that involve physical activity.

How do organized sports benefit children's motor skill development?

They encourage activity, teamwork, competition, and self-esteem.

What is a key takeaway for parents regarding their child's motor development?

Every child develops at their own pace, and it's important to support exploration and interaction.

How do mittens with Velcro help babies?

They allow babies to grab toys even before they have the dexterity to do it on their own, boosting their curiosity and exploration.

What is the significance of a baby's ability to grab objects?

It enhances their exploration and curiosity about the world around them.

What tools have babies been shown to use effectively?

Simple tools like spoons and little rakes.

What developmental milestone do babies achieve by age one regarding tool use?

They become better at using tools to achieve their goals, such as banging objects purposefully.

What is myelination, and how does it affect fine motor skills?

Myelination is the process of insulating nerve fibers, which speeds up signal transmission and improves fine motor skills.

What fine motor skills can a three-year-old typically perform?

Building block towers and picking up small objects, though still a bit clumsy.

How do fine motor skills progress from ages four to twelve?

They improve significantly, with children mastering tasks like hammering, tying shoes, and writing.

At what age do girls typically show an advantage in fine motor skills over boys?

During childhood and adolescence.

How are fine motor skills linked to cognitive abilities?

Research shows connections between fine motor skills and memory, processing speed, math, and reading.

What happens to fine motor skills in adulthood?

They usually remain functional but may decline in dexterity and hand strength with age.

What is the difference between sensation and perception?

Sensation is the raw data from our senses, while perception is how our brain interprets that information.

What concept did the Gibsons introduce regarding perception?

The idea of affordances, which are the actions an object or environment allows based on our abilities.

How do researchers study infant perception?

They observe babies' preferences for looking at different stimuli and use techniques like eye-tracking.

What is the visual acuity of newborns compared to adults?

Newborns have a visual acuity of around 20/40, which improves to 20/20 by about six months.

What visual preferences do babies have in their early months?

Babies prefer looking at faces, especially their mother's face, and patterns over plain colors.

What is perceptual constancy?

The understanding that objects remain the same size and shape despite changes in perspective.

At what age do babies begin to show signs of size and shape constancy?

Around three months.

What is the visual cliff experiment used to study?

It studies depth perception in babies by observing their reactions to a perceived drop-off.

What do babies demonstrate about depth perception by the time they can crawl?

They show an ability to perceive depth, as indicated by their reluctance to crawl over a visual cliff.

How does vision develop in childhood?

Children improve in visual skills, can see more colors, and their eye muscles strengthen, aiding tasks like reading.

What visual challenges do preschoolers typically face?

Many are farsighted, but this usually improves by first grade.

What common vision issue do many preschoolers experience?

Farsightedness, which usually improves by first grade.

What signs might indicate a vision problem in preschoolers?

Rubbing eyes, excessive blinking, or tilting their head to see things.

How do children's visual expectations influence their search for objects?

Children search differently based on what they expect to happen, such as searching for an object that rolled into a tube.

At what age does vision acuity typically start to decline?

Between ages 40 and 59.

What is a common vision correction method for older adults?

Reading glasses or bifocals.

What happens to peripheral vision as people age?

Peripheral vision tends to shrink.

What eye disease is characterized by a cloudy lens?

Cataracts.

What is glaucoma?

Damage to the optic nerve caused by pressure, which can lead to blindness if untreated.

What is macular degeneration?

Deterioration of the central part of the retina that can lead to blindness.

How does hearing change from birth to adulthood?

Newborns can hear but need louder sounds; hearing improves over time but declines in middle age.

What is the first type of hearing loss typically experienced in middle age?

Loss of high-pitched sounds.

What impact does hearing loss have on older adults?

It can affect socializing, lead to cognitive decline, and increase feelings of loneliness.

What is intermodal perception?

The ability to integrate information from different senses, such as seeing and hearing.

How do babies demonstrate intermodal perception?

They turn their head towards sounds, indicating basic connections between hearing and seeing.

What is the nature versus nurture debate in perceptual development?

It concerns the extent to which perceptual abilities are innate versus learned through experience.

What do nativists believe about perceptual abilities?

They believe many perceptual abilities are hardwired at birth.

What is the ecological view proposed by the Gibsons?

It emphasizes the importance of environmental information in perceptual development.

What is perceptual motor coupling?

The concept that perception and action are interconnected.

How does touch sensitivity change with age?

Touch sensitivity declines, especially in the legs and feet.

What is the impact of chronic pain on cognitive function?

Chronic pain can negatively affect memory and cognitive abilities.

At what age does the sense of smell begin to decline?

As early as the 20s, with noticeable decline by the 60s.

How does taste develop in infants?

Babies can taste flavors from amniotic fluid and breast milk and show preferences for sweet and salty tastes.

What factors can affect taste in older adults?

Medications and health conditions can alter taste perception.

What is the significance of early hearing tests for newborns?

Catching hearing loss early can lead to effective treatments like hearing aids or surgery.

What are some treatments for hearing loss in older adults?

Hearing aids, cochlear implants, and promising research into stem cell treatments.