Human Growth and Development Exam 1

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Newborn infants who are brain damaged or who have experienced birth trauma often display disturbed REM-NREM sleep cycles. This disruption in the sleep cycle can be a sign of neurological issues and can impact the newborn's overall health and development. Choice B is incorrect because infants with brain damage or birth trauma may actually cry more due to their discomfort or neurological issues. Choice C is incorrect because spending about 20 percent of total sleep time in REM sleep is not necessarily specific to brain-damaged or birth-traumatized infants. Choice D is incorrect because having very low or inaudible cries is not a common characteristic associated with brain damage or birth trauma in infants.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A sequential design permits researchers to check if cohort effects are operating. This design involves combining cross-sectional and longitudinal research, allowing for the comparison of different cohorts at different ages. By using this approach, researchers can determine if developmental changes observed are due to age or generation-specific factors. Therefore, a sequential design is valuable in addressing the potential influence of cohort effects on developmental outcomes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a sequential design does not neglect diversity in developmental outcomes, is not necessarily less efficient than a longitudinal design, and can make both cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Low-level radiation, whether from industrial leakage or medical X-rays, can increase the risk of childhood cancer by potentially damaging the developing fetus's cells. Even though the risk is relatively low, it is still a significant concern that should be acknowledged and monitored closely, especially during prenatal development. Choice A is incorrect as low-level radiation can still be harmful on its own without the need to be combined with other teratogens. Choice C is incorrect because low-level radiation exposure can indeed cause lasting damage, especially in the context of childhood cancer risk. Choice D is incorrect because low-level radiation exposure, even during the last trimester, can pose risks to the developing fetus and is not considered entirely safe.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Lily weighed 8 pounds and was 21 inches long at birth. Being both heavier and longer than average babies typically are at birth, Lily would be considered heavier and longer compared to the average baby. This makes choice B, 'heavier and longer,' the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Lily was not shorter or lighter than the average baby at birth.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Tammy's father likely believes that athletic ability is mostly determined by nature because he believes she showed great promise at a young age, indicating a natural talent or genetic predisposition towards gymnastics. This suggests that he attributes Tammy's abilities to her inherent qualities rather than her upbringing or experiences (nurture). While stages and early experiences can play a role in skill development, in this context, the emphasis is on innate abilities, making 'nature' the most suitable choice.