Final answer:
Infants demonstrate altruistic behaviors when they reach out to assist others, suggesting an understanding of others' needs beyond instinctual reflexes. The study mentioned concludes infants are altruistic when they aim to help someone by retrieving an object for them.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question appears to touch upon aspects of developmental psychology, particularly the altruistic behavior in infants and how it is understood in psychological studies. In developmental psychology, Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development is foundational, describing how children progress through different stages and how their understanding of the world evolves. The sensorimotor stage, which occurs from birth to approximately 2 years old, is especially relevant when discussing infants' reflexes and behaviors.
Reflexes such as the grasp reflex, where infants instinctively grasp an object placed in the palm of their hand, demonstrate innate behaviors that are crucial to survival, such as feeding and maintaining close physical contact with a caregiver. However, these reflex behaviors, while instinctual, do not fully explain more complex behavior patterns like altruism.
Altruism, the selfless concern for the well-being of others, can be seen in behaviors where infants reach out to help someone, as mentioned in the initial question. If an infant reaches to pick up an object to give to a researcher who has accidentally dropped it, the research might conclude that this demonstrates that infants are altruistic. This behavior suggests an understanding of another's needs and a willingness to help, which goes beyond simple reflex action.
Therefore, considering the context providedc) An object; altruistic. Infants have been observed reaching for an object to assist another person, indicating their capacity for altruistic behavior, not merely acting on instinct.