Imprinting is an instinct in which a newborn will follow a moving object.

Imprinting is an instinct in which a newborn will follow a moving object.

• A. An instinct where a newborn follows a moving object
• B. A learned response through reinforcement
• C. A cognitive bias in infancy
• D. A social learning mechanism

Answer: (A)

Imprinting is an innate, rapid form of learning that happens during a brief developmental window and leads newborns to form a strong attachment to and follow the first moving object they encounter. This fits the statement because imprinting is an automatic, instinctive behavior, not something learned by trial and error. It occurs during a sensitive period and results in following the object, often the parent, to aid survival. It’s not a learned response through reinforcement, since it happens quickly without rewards or practice. It’s not a cognitive bias, which would involve biased thinking rather than an attachment. And it’s not a social learning mechanism, which relies on observing and copying others. A classic example is ducklings imprinting on the first moving object they see and then following it to learn essential behaviors.

Imprinting is an innate, rapid form of learning that happens during a brief developmental window and leads newborns to form a strong attachment to and follow the first moving object they encounter. This fits the statement because imprinting is an automatic, instinctive behavior, not something learned by trial and error. It occurs during a sensitive period and results in following the object, often the parent, to aid survival. It’s not a learned response through reinforcement, since it happens quickly without rewards or practice. It’s not a cognitive bias, which would involve biased thinking rather than an attachment. And it’s not a social learning mechanism, which relies on observing and copying others. A classic example is ducklings imprinting on the first moving object they see and then following it to learn essential behaviors.