Human Growth and Development Exam 1

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, four-year-old R���‚��„�Monte's engagement in make-believe play, such as pretending to stir beads in a bowl and creating imaginary soup, indicates that he is in the preoperational stage of cognitive development. This stage is characterized by symbolic thinking, pretend play, language development, and egocentrism. Choice A, sensorimotor, is incorrect as this stage occurs in infancy and focuses on sensory experiences and object permanence. Choice C, concrete operational, is incorrect as this stage occurs around ages 7-11 and involves logical reasoning about concrete events. Choice D, sociocultural, is incorrect as it does not correspond to Piaget's stages of cognitive development.

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the third month of pregnancy (choice B). During the third month of pregnancy, which is around 9-12 weeks, a fetal heartbeat can typically be heard using a stethoscope. This is an exciting milestone for expectant parents as it provides reassurance about the baby's well-being. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because by the fourth week of pregnancy, the fetal heartbeat is not usually detectable with a stethoscope. The end of the second trimester and the beginning of the third trimester are too late in the pregnancy timeline for this milestone.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Low-level radiation, whether from industrial leakage or medical X-rays, can increase the risk of childhood cancer by potentially damaging the developing fetus's cells. Even though the risk is relatively low, it is still a significant concern that should be acknowledged and monitored closely, especially during prenatal development. Choice A is incorrect as low-level radiation can still be harmful on its own without the need to be combined with other teratogens. Choice C is incorrect because low-level radiation exposure can indeed cause lasting damage, especially in the context of childhood cancer risk. Choice D is incorrect because low-level radiation exposure, even during the last trimester, can pose risks to the developing fetus and is not considered entirely safe.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: According to operant conditioning theory, the frequency of a behavior can be increased by following it with a wide variety of reinforcers. In operant conditioning, behaviors are shaped through reinforcement, which can be positive (rewarding) or negative (removal of something unpleasant). By providing reinforcement following a behavior, the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future is increased. This supports the notion that the frequency of a behavior can be increased by using reinforcers in operant conditioning. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because operant conditioning focuses on the relationship between behavior and its consequences through reinforcement (positive or negative) to increase the likelihood of the behavior recurring, rather than punishment, cultural influences, or the development of the id based on societal values.