Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Perseveration refers to the infant's tendency to:

1. chew on most objects.

2. sweat profusely during growth spurts.

3. collect objects into sets.

4. repeat a movement.

The correct answer is: repeat a movement.

Perseveration, in the context of infant behavior, involves the repetition of a movement or action. This phenomenon is observable in infants when they repeatedly engage in a particular behavior, even when the situation changes or the behavior may no longer be relevant or appropriate. For instance, a child might keep performing the same gesture or movement, such as throwing a toy or waving their hands, even if they have mastered it or if the activity has served its purpose. This tendency to repeat actions is often a part of how infants learn about their environment and develop motor skills. It also reflects their exploration of cause-and-effect relationships—understanding that their actions can produce outcomes. Repetition in this manner is a natural part of cognitive and physical development during early childhood. The other options present behaviors or characteristics that do not specifically align with the concept of perseveration. Chewing on objects relates more to teething or sensory exploration, sweating during growth spurts is a physiological response that doesn't involve motor repetition, and collecting objects into sets pertains to cognitive organization rather than movement repetition.