Which of the following best describes cognitive development in infants?

Cognitive development in infants is best described as being stimulated by various types of objects and interactions. This concept reflects the understanding that infants learn and grow through exposure to their environment, including the objects they interact with and the people around them. Through exploration, play, and social interactions, infants develop critical cognitive skills such as problem-solving, memory, and understanding cause and effect.

Engaging with different types of objects allows infants to experience various sensory inputs, which are essential for cognitive growth. For example, manipulating toys fosters spatial awareness and fine motor skills, while interactions with caregivers promote language development and social understanding. This multifaceted approach to cognitive development emphasizes the dynamic interplay between physical experiences and social interactions.

Other options are limited in scope. For instance, stating that cognitive development is solely dependent on physical growth overlooks the importance of environmental and experiential factors. Similarly, attributing cognitive development solely to nutrition and health fails to account for the role that play and socialization have in shaping a child's cognitive abilities. Lastly, suggesting that cognitive growth is a direct result of social interaction exclusively does not recognize the value of independent exploration of objects, which is equally crucial for cognitive advancement.