Chronological Age, Mental Age & Paediatric Development

Question-and-Answer flashcards summarizing key concepts: definitions of chronological and mental age, IQ, developmental milestones, paediatric dentistry considerations, and intelligence classifications.

What is chronological age?

The amount of time that has elapsed since a person’s birth, usually expressed in years and months.

In psychometrics, why is chronological age important?

It serves as a standard against which variables such as behaviour and intelligence are measured.

What is mental age?

A person’s mental ability expressed as the age at which the average individual reaches the same level of ability.

Who first quantified mental abilities in relation to chronologic age and introduced the IQ concept?

Alfred Binet in the early 1900s.

State the IQ formula created by Binet.

IQ = (Mental Age ÷ Chronological Age) × 100

If a child’s mental age is 10 and chronological age is 8, what is the IQ?

125

What three parties form the paediatric dentistry treatment triangle?

Paediatric patient, family (usually mother/guardian), and dental personnel (dentist).

How does treating adults differ from treating children in dentistry?

Adult treatment is typically a one-to-one relationship, whereas paediatric treatment is usually a one-to-two relationship involving the child and the parent/guardian.

List two key elements of child development beyond mere physical growth.

Changes in function/skill and sequential unfolding of abilities (e.g., cognitive, emotional, social).

Why did Alpern warn against using a single developmental label for children?

Because multiple aspects of development matter and no single label adequately captures a child’s overall development.

Which Yale researcher’s group produced age-related psychosocial traits for 2- to 5-year-olds?

Arnold Gesell’s research group.

Give two typical characteristics of a 2-year-old that matter to dentists.

Likes to see and touch; very attached to parents; geared to gross motor skills; limited vocabulary (any two).

Give two typical characteristics of a 3-year-old.

Less egocentric and likes to please; very active imagination; remains closely attached to parents (any two).

Give two typical characteristics of a 4-year-old.

Tries to impose powers; participates in small social groups; has many independent self-help skills (any two).

Give two typical characteristics of a 5-year-old.

Plays cooperatively with peers; takes pride in possessions; is deliberate and consolidating skills (any two).

Define a developmental milestone.

A behaviour or physical skill that most children achieve at a predictable age range, such as rolling over, walking, or talking.

Name two common developmental milestones.

Rolling over and walking; or crawling and talking (any two).

What two pieces of information do milestones provide?

The average age a skill is acquired and the normal age range for acquisition.

How does the range of ages change for skills that emerge earlier?

The earlier a skill emerges, the narrower the normal age range.

At what average age is birth weight doubled in infants?

About 6 months (normal range 5–7 months).

At what average age do children walk alone?

Approximately 14 months (normal range 10–20 months).

Why can’t a child’s coordination be judged solely by physical size?

Physical size is not directly related to motor coordination or dental development.

What IQ range is classified as “Very Superior,” and what percentage of the population falls in this group?

IQ 140 and above; about 0.5 % of the population.

What IQ range is considered “Average,” and what percentage of the population falls in it?

IQ 90–109; roughly 60 % of the population.

State the IQ range for “Mild” mental deficiency in the AAMD classification and its practical description.

IQ 52–68; individuals can be educated in special classes to attain elementary-level academic skills.

Why are psychometric test scores less reliable for very young or developmentally delayed children?

Because developmental variability is higher and standardized norms fit less well, making single-day scores only estimates.

How can psychometric assessments assist a dentist?

They alert the dentist to children who may require individualized approaches in the dental office.

How do cultural and educational differences affect the validity of IQ tests?

Greater differences from the test’s normative sample make the results less reliable and valid for that individual.

Summarize the nature vs. nurture debate and its implication for child behaviour.

Personality may be shaped by genetic (nature) and environmental (nurture) influences; harmony between them fosters healthy development, while conflict can lead to behavioural problems.