Human Growth and Development Exam Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a cross-sectional design, researchers study groups of participants differing in age at the same point in time. This design allows researchers to compare different age groups simultaneously, providing valuable insight into age-related differences without the need to track the same group over time. Choice A is incorrect because it describes a longitudinal design where the same group is followed over time. Choice C is incorrect as it involves different groups of the same age studied at different times. Choice D is incorrect as it does not capture the essence of a cross-sectional design, which involves studying groups of different ages at the same point in time.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: eye-blink. The eye-blink reflex is the one that protects an infant from strong stimulation by causing them to quickly shut their eyes in response to sudden bright light or a loud noise. This reflex helps to safeguard the infant's sensitive eyes from potential harm. The Moro reflex (choice A) is the startle reflex, the sucking reflex (choice C) helps with feeding, and the palmar grasp reflex (choice D) is when the infant's fingers close around an object placed in their hand; none of these reflexes specifically protect the infant from strong stimulation.

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: C

Rationale: According to the information provided in the text box 'CULTURAL INFLUENCES: Immigrant Youths: Adapting to a New Land' on page 32, students who are foreign-born or first-generation Americans often achieve in school as well as or better than students of native-born parents. This implies that they excel academically despite facing challenges related to cultural adaptation and assimilation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the provided information specifically highlights the academic achievement of foreign-born or first-generation American students compared to students of native-born parents, not their likelihood of committing delinquent acts, obesity rates, or self-esteem levels.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Sydney's approach of starting with a hypothesis, deducing testable inferences, and isolating and combining variables to confirm inferences aligns with the characteristics of the formal operational stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development. This stage typically emerges during adolescence and is characterized by advanced logical thinking, abstract reasoning, and the ability to think systematically about all possible outcomes of a problem. Choice A, sensorimotor, is incorrect as it pertains to the stage where infants learn through sensory experiences and motor actions. Choice B, preoperational, is incorrect as it involves egocentrism and lack of conservation. Choice C, concrete operational, is incorrect as it focuses on operational thought and logical reasoning in concrete contexts.