Human Growth and Development Final Exam Answers

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Central to Piaget's theory is the concept of adaptation, which refers to the process by which individuals adjust to new information and experiences by modifying their existing cognitive structures. Piaget believed that this process of adaptation involved two key components: assimilation, where individuals incorporate new information into their existing schemas, and accommodation, where individuals adjust their schemas to fit new information. This concept highlights the dynamic nature of cognitive development and the importance of interaction between individuals and their environment in shaping intellectual growth. Choice A, 'imitation,' is incorrect as Piaget's theory focuses on how individuals actively construct their understanding of the world through their interactions with it, rather than simply imitating others. Choice C, 'self-efficacy,' is not the central concept in Piaget's theory; self-efficacy is a concept from Bandura's social cognitive theory. Choice D, 'scaffolding,' is associated with Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, not Piaget's theory.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because investigators who study development aim to identify the factors that influence consistencies and transformations in people from conception to death. This goal encompasses various domains such as physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, highlighting the comprehensive nature of developmental research. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the overarching goal of developmental researchers, which is to understand the factors influencing individuals throughout their lifespan, rather than focusing solely on genetic factors, environmental factors related to disease, or abnormal development in specific age groups.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Three-month-old Jefferson will likely listen longer to human speech compared to nonspeech sounds because infants have a natural preference for speech sounds. This preference is believed to be attributed to their biological readiness to learn language and communicate with others. Choice A is incorrect because voices are a form of human speech, which is preferred over pure tones. Choice B is incorrect as noises do not necessarily engage infants' attention as effectively as human speech. Choice D is incorrect because Jefferson is more likely to listen longer to his native language rather than a foreign language at this early age.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Theorists who emphasize plasticity believe that change in response to influential experiences is possible. They argue that individuals have the capacity to adapt and change their behavior based on their experiences, rather than being limited by genetic predispositions or early childhood experiences. This perspective highlights the importance of environmental influences in shaping behavior and development. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the concept of plasticity, which emphasizes the flexibility and adaptability of individuals in response to their experiences, rather than being fixed by heredity, childhood traits, or early experiences.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the researchers randomly assigned adolescents to either a single-grade classroom or a mixed-age classroom, which is an example of a field experiment. A field experiment involves manipulating independent variables in a natural setting to observe the effects on participants. This design allows for more control over variables compared to naturalistic observation, case studies, or natural experiments. Naturalistic observation involves observing subjects in their natural environment without manipulating any variables. A case study focuses on in-depth analysis of a single individual or a small group. A natural experiment involves observing naturally occurring events without intervention or manipulation by the researcher.