Which of the following is NOT true about early childhood development?

• A. Receptive communication skills usually develop at an earlier age than expressive language
• B. Play is important to cognitive, social, and physical development
• C. Behavioral outbursts can be signs of psychological disturbance
• D. Personality or temperament results from both biological and environmental factors

Answer: (C)

In early childhood, receptive language typically develops before expressive language because children usually understand more words and commands than they can verbally produce. This means they can follow directions and grasp meaning even when their spoken vocabulary is still growing. Play supports development across multiple domains—cognitive, social, and physical—by giving children opportunities to explore, solve problems, practice social interaction, and build motor skills in a safe, interactive context. Temperament or personality is shaped by both biology and the environment; innate dispositions interact with caregiving styles, experiences, and learning opportunities to influence how a child behaves and adapts.

The statement about behavioral outbursts being signs of psychological disturbance isn't generally true for most young children. Temper tantrums and outbursts are a common part of emotional development as kids learn to regulate feelings and cope with frustration. While persistent, severe, or impairing behaviors can warrant assessment, typical outbursts alone do not indicate a psychological disturbance.