In developmental psychology, at what age are children most likely to begin using words to express meaning for the first time?

• A. Around 3 years of age
• B. At birth
• C. Around 12 months of age
• D. After starting formal schooling

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in developmental psychology, language acquisition is a key milestone that typically follows a predictable timeline.
2. Recognize that while infants can make sounds and cry from birth, the use of words to express specific meanings usually begins later.
3. Recall that around 12 months of age, many children start to say their first meaningful words, marking the beginning of expressive language.
4. Note that by around 3 years of age, children's vocabulary and sentence complexity increase significantly, but this is after the initial use of words.
5. Conclude that the age when children most likely begin using words to express meaning for the first time is around 12 months, not at birth or after formal schooling.