Human Growth and Development Final Exam

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: According to social learning theory, children primarily learn through modeling, observation, and imitation of others. This theory emphasizes the importance of cognitive processes in learning, as opposed to only focusing on direct reinforcement or punishment. Social learning theory was developed by psychologist Albert Bandura and is a key theory in the field of child development. Choice A, reinforcement, is incorrect as it refers to the process of strengthening a behavior through rewards or punishments. Choice B, operant conditioning, is also incorrect as it is a learning process that involves reinforcement and punishment to shape behavior. Choice D, classical conditioning, is not the correct answer as it involves learning through association between stimuli.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Newborn Mariana, who reacts strongly to unpleasant stimuli, is described as susceptible to colic. Colic is often characterized by excessive crying and fussiness in newborn babies, which can be challenging to console. This description suggests that Mariana's strong reactions to unpleasant stimuli may make her more prone to colic. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the strong reactions to unpleasant stimuli do not imply being easy to console, affect REM sleep, or responsiveness to swaddling.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the eighth month of pregnancy, lanugo typically is shed. Lanugo is the fine, downy hair that covers a fetus's body to help regulate body temperature while in the womb. By the eighth month, many fetuses shed this hair as they prepare for birth. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because fetal growth doubling, neuron production increasing, and the formation of eyes, ears, nose, jaw, and neck occur in earlier stages of pregnancy, not specifically in the eighth month.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Piaget's critics point out that his stagewise account pays insufficient attention to social and cultural influences. Critics argue that Piaget's theory does not fully consider the impact of social interactions, cultural differences, and individual experiences on children's cognitive development. They believe that these factors play a crucial role in shaping a child's thinking and problem-solving abilities, which should be given more emphasis. Choice A is incorrect because Piaget's critics do not focus on him overestimating the competencies of infants and young children. Choice C is incorrect as it discusses a different aspect of learning rather than the critique of Piaget's theory. Choice D is also incorrect since critics do not argue that children's performances on Piagetian tasks cannot be improved with training.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Sigmund Freud constructed his psychosexual theory on the basis of his adult patients' memories of painful childhood events. Freud believed that events in early childhood had a significant impact on an individual's development and personality. He used his patients' recollections of childhood experiences to develop his theories on psychosexual development. Choice B is incorrect as Freud did not base his theory on studies of animal behavior. Choice C is incorrect as Freud's theory was not solely based on interviews with institutionalized children and adolescents. Choice D is incorrect as Freud did not construct his theory by observing his own children.