Human Growth and Development Exam Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, nurture. Nurture refers to the environmental influences that shape behavior and development. In this scenario, Justin's adoptive mother believes that providing sensitive caregiving will override the negative effects of his early experiences in the orphanage, highlighting the importance of nurture in promoting healthy development. Choice B, stages, is incorrect as it refers to the sequence of developmental milestones individuals pass through. Choice C, stability, is incorrect as it pertains to the consistency of behavior or development over time. Choice D, nature, is incorrect as it relates to genetic and biological factors influencing development, which is not the focus of Justin's mother's beliefs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Dr. Torrez's belief about conflicts between biological drives and social expectations influencing a person's ability to learn, get along with others, and cope with anxiety aligns with the psychoanalytic perspective. This perspective, developed by Sigmund Freud, focuses on the unconscious mind, early childhood experiences, and the resolution of inner conflicts as important factors in shaping personality and behavior. The other choices are incorrect because psychosocial theory, cognitive-developmental theory, and social learning theory do not specifically focus on conflicts between biological drives and social expectations as central to understanding human behavior and development.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The description of Baby Azeez's behavior matches the characteristics of irregular sleep in a newborn. During irregular sleep, limb movements are gentle, occasional facial grimacing occurs, and rapid eye movements can be seen beneath closed eyelids. This state is also known as active sleep and is associated with dreaming in newborns. Choice A, regular sleep, is incorrect as the described behaviors are not typical of this state. Choice B, drowsiness, does not match the active movements and facial grimacing observed in Azeez. Choice D, quiet alertness, is also incorrect as it does not align with the described behaviors of limb movements, facial grimacing, and rapid eye movements.

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: G. Stanley Hall is generally regarded as the founder of the child study movement. He established the first American research laboratory dedicated to child psychology and education, helping to pioneer the scientific study of child development. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they were not primarily associated with founding the child study movement. Charles Darwin is known for his contributions to the theory of evolution, Alfred Binet is famous for developing the first intelligence test, and Sigmund Freud is renowned for his work in psychoanalysis.