Human Growth and Development Final Exam Answers

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Dr. Dias's research findings indicate a correlation between the death of a spouse and a decline in the surviving partner's physical health. This correlation suggests a relationship between the two variables, but it does not necessarily imply a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Therefore, the correct conclusion supported by this study is option B - 'The death of a spouse is related to a decline in the surviving partner's physical health.' Option A is too direct in its causation claim, which is not proven by correlation alone. Option C reverses the cause and effect relationship suggested by the research. Option D introduces an unrelated third variable, which is not supported by the study's findings.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The germinal period lasts about two weeks and occurs during the first two weeks of pregnancy. This is the time when the fertilized egg implants into the uterus and begins to divide rapidly. It is followed by the embryonic period, which lasts from about week 3 to week 8 of pregnancy. Choice A is incorrect because the germinal period happens in the early stages of pregnancy, not the second trimester. Choice B is incorrect because the germinal period typically lasts about two weeks, not six. Choice D is incorrect because the germinal period is an early stage of pregnancy and not the final period of a 38-week pregnancy.

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: 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.

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.