Human Growth and Development Exam 1

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: One criticism of Freud's psychosexual theory was that it did not apply to other cultures. Freud developed his theory based on observations and cases from his clinical practice in a specific cultural context, mainly Western society. This limited cultural scope raised concerns about the generalizability and applicability of his theories to diverse cultural settings. Choice B is incorrect because Freud's theory actually emphasized the significant influence of sexual feelings on human development. Choice C is incorrect because Freud's theory focused on stages of psychosexual development rather than comparing human development to the evolution of the human species. Choice D is incorrect because Freud's psychosexual theory considered environmental influences, although it primarily centered on internal drives and conflicts.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Research on newborn taste preferences has found that not until around 4 months of age do babies start to show a preference for a salty taste over plain water. This indicates that newborns do have some ability to distinguish tastes, contrary to the statement in option A. The statement in option C that newborns prefer the taste of formula to breast milk is not supported by research on newborn taste preferences. Option D, stating that babies relax their facial muscles in response to sour tastes, is also not a supported statement regarding newborn taste preferences.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When Western parents aim to soothe a crying baby, the technique they usually try first is lifting the baby to the shoulder and rocking or walking. This method is effective because the motion and closeness provided by rocking or walking can help calm the baby and offer comfort. Choice A is incorrect as massaging the baby's body is not typically the first technique used. Choice B is incorrect as offering a pacifier and a receiving blanket may be tried after lifting the baby to the shoulder. Choice C is also incorrect as playing recorded sounds is usually not the initial technique attempted.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The concern Professor Higgins has regarding the findings of the longitudinal study is related to cohort effects. Cohort effects occur when a specific group of individuals experience a common event or circumstance that could influence the results of a study. In this case, the participants witnessing the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center could have had a significant impact on their development and mental health outcomes, leading to cohort effects observed in the study. Choice A, 'practice,' is incorrect as it refers to the repeated performance of an activity to improve skill. Choice B, 'cross-sectional,' is incorrect as it involves data collection at a single point in time. Choice C, 'dropout,' is incorrect as it refers to participants leaving a study prematurely.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Unlike adults, newborn babies see nearby objects most clearly. This is due to the fact that newborns have a limited ability to focus their eyes on objects that are farther away. Their visual acuity is not fully developed at birth, leading to clearer vision of objects situated at a close distance. Choice A is incorrect because newborn babies have a well-developed sense of smell. Choice C is incorrect as newborns typically show a preference for familiar voices, such as their mother's voice. Choice D is incorrect as newborns do not see unclearly across a wide range of distances; rather, their vision is clearer for nearby objects.