Psych unit 9 Essays - Reflexes, Childhood, Human Development

Psych unit 9 Are humans completely helpless at birth? In the past, some philosophers and psychologist believed that humans are born as blank slates - helpless and without any skills or reflexes. In fact, they believed this lack of reflexes was one of the factors that separated humans from animals. Researchers now know that humans are far from blank slates when we are born. All babies exhibit a set of specific reflexes which specific, inborn, automatic response to certain specific stimuli. Some important releases humans are born with are: Rooting reflex - is an infant's response to touch near the mouth or the check. The infant will turn their head to the sie which he or she felt the touch. Sucing reflex - when an object is placed into the baby's mouth the infant will suck on it. (the combination of rooting and sucking reflexes helps babies eat. Grasping reflex - is an infants clinging response to a touch on the palm of the hand Moro reflex - When startled, a baby will fling their limbs our and then quickly making themselves as small as possible Babinski reflex - when a baby's foot is stroked, they will spread the toes