Why Is It Important for a Newborn Baby's Reflexes to Be

question 4

Multiple Choice

Why is it important for a newborn baby's reflexes to be assessed both at birth and at regular intervals as they age?

• A) ​Because research has shown that adequate reflexive activity at birth and through the first six months of life predict higher intelligence and greater academic success during adolescence.
• B) ​Because an infant's reflexive activity serves as a means to help facilitate bonding with his or her parents, particularly if the mother is nursing.
• C) ​Because the presence (and absence) of specific reflexes indicate that the nervous system is working properly and is developing without problems.
• D) ​Because different cultures define a "healthy baby" differently based on the presence or absence of specific reflexes through the first year of life.

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Definitions:

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A child who is typically between the ages of three and five years old, before the commencement of formal education.

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Nurture

The influence of environmental factors, including education, culture, and personal experiences, on an individual's development and behavior.

Language Acquisition Device

A hypothetical module proposed by linguists that suggests humans have an innate ability to acquire language.