Human Growth and Development Exam Questions

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: During the second trimester of pregnancy, a white, cheeselike substance called vernix emerges on the skin of the developing fetus. Vernix is a protective layer that helps prevent the skin from becoming waterlogged during the time in the amniotic fluid. Choice A, lanugo, is incorrect as lanugo refers to the fine, soft hair that covers the body of a fetus. Choice B, corpus luteum, is incorrect as it is a temporary endocrine structure involved in the menstrual cycle. Choice D, chorion, is incorrect as it is one of the membranes that surround the embryo and later the fetus.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In ecological systems theory, the chronosystem refers to the dimension of time and how events and transitions over time can influence an individual's development. Toby's move just before entering fourth grade represents a significant change in his life that falls under the chronosystem. The microsystem involves the immediate environments and relationships that directly influence an individual, the mesosystem relates to connections between these environments, and the exosystem includes external settings that indirectly influence the individual, such as parents' workplaces. Therefore, Toby's move best exemplifies a change in the chronosystem due to the temporal influence on his development.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Vygotsky's emphasis on culture and social experience did not lead him to neglect the biological side of development. Instead, he believed that biological factors and social influences interact to shape cognitive development. Choice A is correct because it reflects Vygotsky's view that biological factors and social experiences work together in cognitive development. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as Vygotsky's emphasis was not on overemphasizing heredity, focusing solely on independent efforts of children, or placing too much emphasis on children's capacity to shape their own development.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Fetal monitoring is required in most U.S. hospitals during labor and delivery to track the baby's heart rate and the mother's contractions. This helps healthcare providers to assess the well-being of the fetus and make timely decisions regarding the need for interventions if any complications arise. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because fetal monitoring is a standard procedure in most hospitals to ensure the safety and health of both the mother and the baby during labor.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: An experimental design permits inferences about cause and effect because researchers evenhandedly assign people to treatment conditions. This means that researchers can manipulate certain variables and observe the effects on participants, allowing them to determine causation between variables. This is a key strength of experimental research designs. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the primary purpose or strength of experimental designs. Experimental designs do not focus on gathering information in natural life circumstances (A), looking at relationships between characteristics and behavior (B), or have the limitation of not being able to infer cause and effect (D).