Babies are Surprisingly Smart

Infants, even before they can talk or walk, exhibit remarkable cognitive abilities. Their brains grow rapidly, and researchers use creative methods to study their cognition, such as observing behaviors and using brain imaging techniques. Infants show an understanding of basic math and physics, recognizing unexpected outcomes and grasping concepts like gravity. They also develop social and emotional skills early, responding to emotions and understanding language foundations. Infants can infer others' intentions, indicating a rudimentary theory of mind. These abilities highlight the complex learning occurring in infants' early years.

What is one method researchers use to study infant cognition?

• Measuring infants' height

• Teaching infants to read

• Observing which objects infants interact with

• Asking infants to solve puzzles

At what age do infants seem to have a basic understanding of physics?

• Two months

• Nine months

• One year

• Six months

How do infants demonstrate an understanding of gravity?

• By stacking blocks

• By expecting unsupported objects to fall

• By catching falling objects

• By rolling balls down a slope

What do infants use to categorize objects before they can speak?

• Simple tones

• Novel words they hear

• Shapes

• Colors

How do infants show a preference for cooperative behavior?

• By imitating adults

• By reaching for characters that help others

• By choosing toys that make noise

• By playing alone