Human Growth and Development Final Exam Answers

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Cross-sectional studies can be threatened by cohort effects because different age groups may have experienced different historical or social contexts, influencing the results. This disparity can lead to invalid comparisons between age groups, confounding the study's findings. Option A, practice effects, refer to changes in participants' behavior due to repeated testing, not a specific threat to cross-sectional studies. Participant dropout (Option B) is a threat related to attrition in longitudinal studies, not cross-sectional studies. Sequential timing (Option C) does not pose a threat to cross-sectional studies; instead, it refers to the order of tasks in a study design.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ivan Pavlov discovered classical conditioning. This is a form of learning in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus and acquires the capacity to elicit a similar response. Pavlov's famous experiment with dogs, where he conditioned them to salivate at the sound of a bell, demonstrated this principle. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Pavlov's work primarily focused on classical conditioning, not observational learning, ego contributions to development, or the clinical method.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: One challenge associated with longitudinal research is that participants may relocate or drop out of the study over time. This can result in missing data and potential biases in the findings, impacting the study's overall validity and reliability. Furthermore, it can present difficulties for researchers in accurately monitoring and analyzing changes in individuals over an extended period. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because longitudinal research can indeed allow for inferences about cause-and-effect relationships, findings can be generalized to the real world with appropriate design and sampling, and it is suitable for studying individual developmental patterns.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Arnold Gesell is generally regarded as the founder of the child study movement, emphasizing the importance of observing and documenting children's behaviors to understand their development. While he was a significant figure in child development research, he did not specifically write child-rearing books for parents, foreshadow lifespan research, or construct the first successful intelligence test. Choice A is incorrect as Gesell's focus was more on research rather than writing child-rearing books. Choice C is incorrect as Gesell's main contributions were in child development, not specifically in aging research. Choice D is incorrect as Gesell is not credited with constructing the first successful intelligence test.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The statement that baby boomers were labeled a narcissistic, indulged, 'me' generation aligns with the common perception of this generation in popular culture and media. Baby boomers, who were born between 1946 and 1964, have often been characterized in this way due to their reputation for self-centeredness and individualism. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the typical perception of baby boomers in popular culture and media.