Human Growth and Development Exam Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A major limitation of systematic observation is that it tells investigators little about the reasoning behind responses and behaviors. Systematic observation focuses more on recording observable behaviors rather than delving into the underlying reasons or thought processes driving those behaviors. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because systematic observation can indeed provide detailed information on how participants actually behave, it doesn't necessarily underestimate the capacities of individuals who struggle with verbal expression, and it doesn't solely ignore participants with poor memories as it can capture behavior in real-time regardless of memory recall.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Betty's ability to adapt effectively despite facing challenges during her childhood such as growing up in a rundown neighborhood, having divorced parents, and rarely seeing her father demonstrates resilience. Resilience refers to the capacity to achieve positive outcomes despite adverse circumstances. Betty's successful, happy, and healthy adulthood showcases her resilience in navigating and overcoming the threats to her development. Choice A, assimilation, does not fit the context of adapting effectively to adverse circumstances. Assimilation is a cognitive process related to incorporating new information into existing schemas. Choice C, age-graded development, refers to typical developmental changes that occur in a culture at a particular age. Choice D, multidimensional development, encompasses the idea that development is influenced by multiple factors across various dimensions, which is not directly related to Betty's ability to adapt effectively despite facing challenges.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Adolescent children of mothers who were home-visited as part of the Nurse-Family Partnership reported less alcohol and drug use compared to their comparison-group agemates. This indicates that the program may have a positive impact in reducing risky behaviors among adolescents whose mothers received home visits. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the extract specifically mentions that the children reported less alcohol and drug use, and there is no mention of impulsivity, overactivity, academic achievement scores, or aggressive behavior in this context.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In ecological systems theory, the chronosystem refers to the dimension of time and how events and transitions over time can influence an individual's development. Toby's move just before entering fourth grade represents a significant change in his life that falls under the chronosystem. The microsystem involves the immediate environments and relationships that directly influence an individual, the mesosystem relates to connections between these environments, and the exosystem includes external settings that indirectly influence the individual, such as parents' workplaces. Therefore, Toby's move best exemplifies a change in the chronosystem due to the temporal influence on his development.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Many theorists believe that behaviorism and social learning theory offer too narrow a view of important environmental influences. This is because they focus mainly on observable behaviors and external factors, neglecting the role of internal cognitive processes and individual differences in shaping development. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because behaviorism and social learning theory do not specifically emphasize the plasticity of cognitive development, overestimate people's contributions to their own development, or overemphasize each individual's unique life history. Instead, they are criticized for providing a limited perspective by focusing predominantly on external stimuli and behaviors.