Human Growth and Development Final Exam

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Max, age 65, learning to play the piano at a local senior center demonstrates that development is plastic at all ages. This means that individuals have the potential to learn and grow regardless of their age, showing that it is never too late to acquire new skills and experiences. Choice A is incorrect because it presents a negative view of aging, which is not supported by Max's actions. Choice B is incorrect as it implies that learning is restricted to certain age periods, which is contradicted by Max's experience. Choice D is incorrect because Max's learning of the piano at 65 suggests that musical talent can be developed at any age, not necessarily peaking in late adulthood.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the eighth month of pregnancy, lanugo typically is shed. Lanugo is the fine, downy hair that covers a fetus's body to help regulate body temperature while in the womb. By the eighth month, many fetuses shed this hair as they prepare for birth. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because fetal growth doubling, neuron production increasing, and the formation of eyes, ears, nose, jaw, and neck occur in earlier stages of pregnancy, not specifically in the eighth month.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Dr. Langley's work being focused on understanding constancy and change throughout the lifespan aligns with the field of developmental science, which studies how individuals grow and change from birth through old age. This field encompasses the study of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and other aspects of development across the lifespan. Choice A, genetics, primarily focuses on the study of genes, heredity, and genetic variation, which is not directly related to understanding constancy and change throughout the lifespan. Choice B, clinical psychology, concentrates on the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders rather than the broader study of development across the lifespan. Choice C, adolescent development, is more specific and limited in scope compared to the comprehensive study of development across the entire lifespan, which is the focus of developmental science.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The clinical method is an outgrowth of psychoanalytic theory. This method involves in-depth, one-on-one interviews or therapy sessions to explore an individual's unconscious thoughts and emotions. It aims to gain insight into the underlying causes of behavior and psychological issues, aligning with the foundational principles of psychoanalytic theory developed by Sigmund Freud. Choices A, B, and C are not directly associated with psychoanalytic theory. Naturalistic observation, structured observation, and ethnography focus on observing behavior in natural settings, systematic observation in controlled environments, and studying cultures and societies, respectively, which are not specific to the psychoanalytic approach.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: According to Jean Piaget's cognitive-developmental theory, children actively construct knowledge as they manipulate and explore their world. Piaget emphasized that children learn through their own actions and interactions with the environment, leading to cognitive development. Choice B is incorrect because Piaget's theory focuses on children's active engagement in learning rather than passive reinforcement. Choice C is incorrect because Piaget's theory highlights the child's role in constructing knowledge, not solely relying on adult teaching. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to sensitive periods, a concept more associated with other developmental theories like Erikson's psychosocial theory, not Piaget's cognitive-developmental theory.