Question

Which of the following dimensions of infant temperament refers to the regularity or predictability of biological functions such as sleep and hunger?

• A. Rhythmicity
• B. Adaptability
• C. Intensity of reaction
• D. Threshold of responsiveness

Hint:

Thomas and Chess classified infants into three temperament categories based on these dimensions:
- Easy infants (regular, adaptive, positive).
- Difficult infants (irregular, intense, slow to adapt).
- Slow-to-warm-up infants (inactive, mild reactions, slow to adapt initially).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question focuses on infant temperament, which refers to an infant's innate, biologically based style of reacting to the environment.
In their classic longitudinal study, Alexander Thomas and Stella Chess identified nine distinct dimensions of temperament.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the dimensions of temperament listed:
1. Rhythmicity (Regularity):
This dimension refers to the predictability of an infant's basic biological cycles, such as sleep-wake patterns, hunger, and bowel movements.
An infant with high rhythmicity establishes predictable schedules easily, while an infant with low rhythmicity has highly unpredictable biological functions.
Thus, this dimension directly matches the question's description.
2. Adaptability:
This refers to how easily an infant adjusts to changes in their environment, routine, or transitions.
Thus, Option (B) is incorrect.
3. Intensity of reaction:
This refers to the energy level or strength of an infant's response to stimuli, whether positive or negative.
Thus, Option (C) is incorrect.
4. Threshold of responsiveness:
This refers to the intensity level of stimulation required to elicit a response from the infant.
Thus, Option (D) is incorrect.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The predictability of biological functions is defined as rhythmicity.
This corresponds to Option (A).