Newborns show an innate preference for looking at faces. This preference __. Answer a. Provides advantages in social behavior and language learning b. Quickly recedes after the first month c. Is uniquely human d. Lacks an adaptive advantage
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: a. Provides advantages in social behavior and language learning
Newborns display a natural tendency to focus on faces shortly after birth. This innate preference has been observed across various studies using visual tracking and eye movement experiments, where newborns consistently spend more time looking at face-like patterns compared to non-face objects. This behavior is not coincidental but is considered to be an adaptive trait that plays a vital role in a child’s early development.
Focusing on faces allows infants to begin processing social cues and emotional expressions, which are essential components of human interaction. By observing facial movements, infants start to develop a sense of emotional understanding and attachment, especially with primary caregivers. These early interactions help in forming secure bonds, which are crucial for psychological and emotional development.
Furthermore, looking at faces supports language acquisition. Infants learn by mimicking the sounds and mouth movements they observe while others speak. This visual engagement strengthens their understanding of language rhythm, intonation, and speech patterns, laying a foundation for later verbal communication. Since much of human communication is non-verbal, recognizing facial expressions also helps children interpret meaning beyond spoken words.
This preference for faces is not uniquely human, but it is particularly advanced in humans due to the complexity of social interactions in human societies. Unlike the idea that it might recede quickly or lack any adaptive purpose, this preference persists and evolves as the child grows. It becomes increasingly sophisticated, enabling the child to navigate social environments more effectively.
In conclusion, a newborn’s preference for faces is an evolutionarily adaptive trait. It supports early social bonding and lays the groundwork for learning language, both of which are crucial for successful development in human society.