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: The correct answer is D because the description of the twisting and fanning out of newborn Takeo's toes suggests the Babinski reflex, which is typically elicited by stroking the sole of the foot from toe to heel. The Babinski reflex is a normal response in newborns and indicates proper neurological development. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not elicit the specific response described in the question.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Medical control over childbirth is largely responsible for the worldwide rise in cesarean deliveries. Cesarean deliveries are often performed due to various medical interventions such as monitoring the progress of labor, fetal distress, and other complications that may arise during childbirth. The increasing use of medical interventions and technology has contributed to the higher rate of cesarean deliveries globally. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not directly involve the decision-making and interventions typically carried out by medical professionals during childbirth, which are major factors leading to the rise in cesarean deliveries.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Piaget's critics point out that his stagewise account pays insufficient attention to social and cultural influences. Critics argue that Piaget's theory does not fully consider the impact of social interactions, cultural differences, and individual experiences on children's cognitive development. They believe that these factors play a crucial role in shaping a child's thinking and problem-solving abilities, which should be given more emphasis. Choice A is incorrect because Piaget's critics do not focus on him overestimating the competencies of infants and young children. Choice C is incorrect as it discusses a different aspect of learning rather than the critique of Piaget's theory. Choice D is also incorrect since critics do not argue that children's performances on Piagetian tasks cannot be improved with training.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Self-reports can range from relatively unstructured interviews to highly structured interviews, questionnaires, and tests. This variety allows researchers to collect information from participants in different ways, depending on the research goals and the type of information being sought. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the range and flexibility of self-reports as outlined in the field of research methodology.