Human Growth and Development Exam Questions

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: 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.

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: C

Rationale: Observational learning is when an individual learns by watching others and mimicking their actions or behaviors. In this scenario, Baby Gabriella claps her hands after her mother does, indicating she is learning through observing her mother's behavior and imitating it. The other choices are incorrect: Reinforcement typically involves a consequence that strengthens a behavior, classical conditioning is a type of learning where an association is made between two stimuli, and adaptation refers to the process of adjusting to new conditions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the lifespan perspective. This perspective underscores the idea that individuals have the capacity for growth and change at any age, highlighting plasticity throughout the lifespan. It acknowledges the continuous development and adaptability of individuals to various experiences and factors. Choice A, the psychoanalytic perspective, focuses more on unconscious processes and early childhood experiences. Choice B, ethology, emphasizes the study of animal behavior in natural environments. Choice C, evolutionary developmental psychology, examines how evolutionary principles influence human development but does not specifically focus on plasticity at all ages.