If a neonate's finger is pricked or burned, he or she may withdraw the finger and also thrash about, cry, and show general signs of distress. If a toddler's finger is pricked or burned, he or she shows distress and withdraws the finger, but is less likely to thrash about wildly. This scenario best exemplifies _____.
A) the Babinski reflex
B) an instance of regression
C) the Moro reflex
D) an instance of differentiation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This scenario exemplifies differentiation, which refers to the process by which behaviors become more specific and sophisticated with development. In this case, the toddler's response is more controlled and specific compared to the neonate's more generalized distress response.

If a Neonate's Finger Is Pricked or Burned, He or She