Human Growth and Development Clep Practice Exam

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A circular reaction is a process where an infant repeats a specific action to explore and learn about the environment through their own motor activity. This repetition helps the infant to understand the consequences of their actions and build cognitive schemes. Sensorimotor reflex (choice A) refers to automatic responses to stimuli, not a purposeful repetition of actions to learn. Mental representation (choice C) involves internal cognitive structures to represent objects or events in the mind, which is different from the repetitive behavior described in the question. Goal-directed behavior (choice D) is purposeful and intentional, unlike the repetitive nature of circular reactions in infants' learning process.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'have not borne children.' Women who have not borne children may experience menopause earlier due to lower levels of certain reproductive hormones. Having two or more children (choice A) is not typically associated with reaching menopause earlier. Smoking (choice B) is known to have negative effects on menopause but does not necessarily cause it to happen earlier. Borne twins (choice D) is a specific scenario and not a general factor influencing the timing of menopause.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Dr. Kostel's belief in stage-based development aligns with the discontinuous perspective, which sees development as a series of distinct stages. The continuous perspective (choice B) suggests development as a smooth and gradual process without distinct stages. The nature perspective (choice D) focuses on genetic and hereditary influences on development. The nurture perspective (choice A) emphasizes the impact of environment and upbringing on development, which is not directly related to the belief in stage-based development.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'self-indulgence'. Stagnation in Erikson's midlife stage refers to a lack of growth and self-indulgence, leading to a feeling of unproductiveness. This contrasts with 'role confusion' (A), which is associated with Erikson's adolescence stage, 'selflessness' (B) which is a positive trait, and 'guilt and shame' (D) which are emotions typically associated with earlier stages of development.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Possible selves are ideas about what one might become in the future, which increase during the transition from early to middle adulthood. This period is characterized by individuals exploring and considering different potential future selves. Self-doubt (choice B) typically decreases as individuals become more confident and self-assured in middle adulthood. Destructiveness (choice C) is not a common developmental trend during this period. Autonomy (choice D) is a concept related to independence and self-governance, which may develop over a person's lifespan but does not specifically increase during the transition from early to middle adulthood.