CPN Child Development & Behavior 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A toddler throws a tantrum every time a toy is taken away. This behavior is best described as an example of:
- Separation anxiety
- Emotional dysregulation due to limited impulse control (Correct answer)
- Oppositional defiant disorder
- Attachment disorder
Correct answer: Emotional dysregulation due to limited impulse control
Toddlers lack the neurological maturity to regulate emotions, so tantrums over frustration are developmentally typical rather than a disorder.
Question 2: Which theorist described a 'trust vs. mistrust' stage occurring during the first year of life?
- Jean Piaget
- Lev Vygotsky
- Erik Erikson (Correct answer)
- B.F. Skinner
Correct answer: Erik Erikson
Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory places the trust vs. mistrust conflict in infancy (birth to 18 months), resolved through consistent caregiving.
Question 3: A 4-year-old insists that the moon follows her when she walks outside. This thinking reflects which Piagetian concept?
- Conservation
- Egocentrism (Correct answer)
- Object permanence
- Reversibility
Correct answer: Egocentrism
Egocentrism in the preoperational stage leads children to believe the world revolves around their own perspective.
Question 4: According to Vygotsky, the 'zone of proximal development' (ZPD) refers to:
- Tasks a child can do independently
- Skills a child cannot achieve even with help
- The gap between what a child can do alone and with guided support (Correct answer)
- The stage at which formal schooling should begin
Correct answer: The gap between what a child can do alone and with guided support
Vygotsky's ZPD is the space between independent ability and what can be accomplished with skilled guidance or scaffolding.
Question 5: Which behavior would be most developmentally appropriate for a 6-month-old infant?
- Saying two-word phrases
- Rolling from back to tummy and reaching for objects (Correct answer)
- Walking independently
- Playing cooperatively with peers
Correct answer: Rolling from back to tummy and reaching for objects
By 6 months, most infants can roll over and intentionally reach for objects, which are key gross and fine motor milestones.
Question 6: A nanny notices an 18-month-old bringing a book to an adult and pointing at pictures. This best demonstrates:
- Parallel play
- Joint attention (Correct answer)
- Object permanence
- Symbolic play
Correct answer: Joint attention
Joint attention — sharing focus on an object with another person — emerges around 9–18 months and is a foundational social-communication skill.
Question 7: Separation anxiety typically peaks at around what age?
- 3–4 months
- 9–18 months (Correct answer)
- 3–4 years
- 5–6 years
Correct answer: 9–18 months
Separation anxiety is most intense between 9 and 18 months as infants develop strong attachment bonds and understand object permanence.
CPN Child Development & Behavior 2
A toddler throws a tantrum every time a toy is taken away.
This behavior is best described as an example of: