Human Growth and Development Exam 1

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A theory of development describes, explains, and predicts behavior. It provides a framework for understanding how individuals grow and change over time. The purpose of a theory is not to illustrate ultimate truth or explain all aspects of human growth, but rather to help researchers and practitioners make sense of and predict human behavior. Theories are expected to be tested and refined through scientific verification. Choice A is incorrect because theories do not necessarily illustrate ultimate truth. Choice C is incorrect as theories focus on behavior and development, not all aspects of human growth. Choice D is incorrect because scientific verification is essential for theories to be valid and reliable.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "eliminate undesirable behaviors and increase desirable responses." Applied behavior analysis aims to modify behavior by focusing on eliminating unwanted behaviors and reinforcing desirable ones. It does not primarily deal with changes in temperament (choice A), self-perception (choice C), or personality traits (choice D). The approach involves techniques such as reinforcement to target specific behaviors, rather than broader cognitive processes or personality characteristics.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: During the first week of pregnancy, the zygote (fertilized egg) undergoes rapid cell divisions and forms a blastocyst. This is a crucial stage where the cells differentiate and specialize, setting the foundation for the development of the embryo. It is during this time that the zygote implants itself into the uterine wall, initiating the process of pregnancy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because during the first week of pregnancy, the focus is on the initial development and multiplication of the zygote, not on the development of heart muscles, a primitive brain and spinal cord, or the embryo's ability to move.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Anoxia during labor and delivery can cause cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, often due to a lack of oxygen during labor and delivery. Spina bifida (Choice A) is a neural tube defect that occurs during embryonic development and is not directly caused by anoxia during labor. Anencephaly (Choice B) is a severe neural tube defect where the baby is born without parts of the brain and skull, not typically caused by anoxia during labor. Muscular dystrophy (Choice D) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and is not directly related to anoxia during labor and delivery.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Charles Darwin's theory of evolution emphasized natural selection and survival of the fittest. Natural selection is the process by which organisms with traits that help them survive and reproduce in their environment are more likely to pass on these traits to their offspring. Survival of the fittest refers to the idea that the organisms best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the gradual evolution of species over time. Both concepts are central to Darwin's theory of evolution. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the key principles highlighted by Darwin in his theory of evolution.