Human Growth and Development Clep Practice Exam

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: According to the cognitive perspective of perceptual development, babies impose meaning on what they perceive. This means that babies actively interpret and make sense of the stimuli they encounter. Choice A is incorrect because babies are not seen as blank slates in this context; they actively engage with their environment. Choice C is incorrect as babies do not necessarily search for discontinuous stimuli, but rather interpret what they perceive. Choice D is incorrect as seeking variant features in the environment is not a core concept of the cognitive perspective of perceptual development.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Physical activity is known to have a positive impact on mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Choice B is incorrect because physical activity generally improves both mood and alertness. Choice C is incorrect as physical activity tends to increase mood, alertness, and energy levels. Choice D is incorrect as physical activity actually increases neural activity in the cerebral cortex, which is associated with improved cognitive function and mental well-being.

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: B

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Vygotsky believed that language plays a crucial role in the development of higher cognitive functions. Language enables individuals to communicate, think abstractly, and engage in complex problem-solving, forming the foundation for higher cognitive processes. Egocentrism (Choice A) refers to a stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development, not Vygotsky's. Sensorimotor activity (Choice C) is part of Piaget's stages of cognitive development, focusing on how infants understand the world through sensory experiences and physical actions. Self-reflection (Choice D) involves introspection and examination of one's thoughts and feelings, which is not the central concept in Vygotsky's theory.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Language development plays a crucial role in emotional self-regulation in preschoolers. It enables children to express and manage their emotions effectively. Choices A and B, permissive and authoritarian child rearing styles, focus more on the parenting approach rather than the child's intrinsic development. Family size, as mentioned in choice D, does not directly contribute to gains in emotional self-regulation.