Human Growth and Development Final Exam

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: By the end of Greta's first month of pregnancy, her embryo is about � inch long. During the first month of pregnancy, the embryo is in the very early stages of development, and its size is typically around � inch as it continues to grow and develop in the uterus. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because sensory abilities like sensing the world, sucking thumb, and curling toes develop later in the pregnancy as the embryo progresses through different stages of development.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the description of the twisting and fanning out of newborn Takeo's toes suggests the Babinski reflex, which is typically elicited by stroking the sole of the foot from toe to heel. The Babinski reflex is a normal response in newborns and indicates proper neurological development. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not elicit the specific response described in the question.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The discontinuous view of development holds that infants and children have unique ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. This perspective suggests that development is not a continuous or smooth process, but rather occurs in distinct stages or phases marked by qualitative differences in abilities and behaviors. This contrasts with the idea that development is a gradual augmentation of skills present from the beginning (choice B) or that infants and preschoolers respond to the world in the same way as adults (choice A). Choice D is incorrect because the discontinuous view does not consider development as a smooth process limited by a lack of information and precision. Ultimately, the discontinuous view emphasizes the distinct and evolving nature of development across the lifespan.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Theorists who emphasize stability argue that powerful negative events early in life cannot be completely overcome by later, more positive experiences. They believe that early experiences have a lasting impact on development and are not easily erased or reversed by subsequent events. This perspective contrasts with the idea of plasticity, which suggests that development can be influenced by experiences at any point in life, and that individuals have the capacity for change and growth throughout the lifespan. 'Nurture' does not directly address the concept of overcoming negative events, while 'discontinuity' refers to developmental stages being separate and distinct, not the idea that negative events early in life persist despite later positive experiences.

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.