Connor and Mandy are two unrelated 13-month-old infants. Connor can already walk easily, but Mandy has yet to take her first steps. What is the most likely explanation for the difference between their ability levels?
A)Connor is brighter than Mandy since he is progressing through the stages of development more rapidly.
B)Mandy and Connor are both well within the normal age range for the development of these motor skills.
C)Connor's mother has taught him to walk, but Mandy's mother has not taught her to walk.
D)Mandy's inability to walk at 13 months is abnormal and may indicate the presence of other developmental problems.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The normal age range for the development of walking is between 9 and 15 months, so both Connor and Mandy are well within the normal age range. The difference in their ability levels may simply be due to individual differences in development and readiness to learn this particular skill. It is not appropriate to assume that Connor is brighter than Mandy or that there are other developmental problems present based solely on their difference in ability level for walking at 13 months. It is also not likely that Connor's mother taught him to walk earlier than Mandy's mother.

Connor and Mandy Are Two Unrelated 13-Month-Old Infants