Which scenario best demonstrates inhibitory control in early childhood?

Which scenario best demonstrates inhibitory control in early childhood?

• A. A child blurts out an answer in class.
• B. A child waits to take the last cookie until given permission.
• C. A child immediately runs for the door when the bell rings.
• D. A child yells for attention.

Answer: (B)

Inhibitory control is the ability to pause before acting, resist impulses, and follow rules or instructions. The scenario where a child waits to take the last cookie until given permission shows delaying gratification and complying with a directive, which directly demonstrates this self-control. It requires suppressing the impulse to grab the cookie immediately in favor of a rule or instruction. The other scenarios illustrate less inhibitory control. Blurting out an answer shows difficulty suppressing speech or impulses in a social setting. Immediately running for the door when the bell rings reflects acting without restraint. Yelling for attention indicates seeking an immediate response rather than regulating one’s own behavior.

Inhibitory control is the ability to pause before acting, resist impulses, and follow rules or instructions. The scenario where a child waits to take the last cookie until given permission shows delaying gratification and complying with a directive, which directly demonstrates this self-control. It requires suppressing the impulse to grab the cookie immediately in favor of a rule or instruction.

The other scenarios illustrate less inhibitory control. Blurting out an answer shows difficulty suppressing speech or impulses in a social setting. Immediately running for the door when the bell rings reflects acting without restraint. Yelling for attention indicates seeking an immediate response rather than regulating one’s own behavior.