Human Growth and Development Exam 1

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Prenatally malnourished babies frequently catch respiratory illnesses. Malnourished babies have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to illnesses such as respiratory infections. This is a common consequence that is observed in babies who did not receive adequate nutrition during the prenatal period. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While malnourished babies may have feeding challenges, rejecting breast milk is not a common consequence. Enlarged hearts are not typically associated with prenatal malnutrition, and having a higher-than-average birth weight is unlikely in malnourished babies.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: According to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, four-year-old R���‚��„�Monte's engagement in make-believe play, such as pretending to stir beads in a bowl and creating imaginary soup, indicates that he is in the preoperational stage of cognitive development. This stage is characterized by symbolic thinking, pretend play, language development, and egocentrism. Choice A, sensorimotor, is incorrect as this stage occurs in infancy and focuses on sensory experiences and object permanence. Choice C, concrete operational, is incorrect as this stage occurs around ages 7-11 and involves logical reasoning about concrete events. Choice D, sociocultural, is incorrect as it does not correspond to Piaget's stages of cognitive development.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Dr. George's prediction that positive reinforcement would increase prosocial behavior in preschoolers is an example of a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction about the relationship between variables based on existing knowledge or theories. In this case, Dr. George is making a prediction about the effect of positive reinforcement on prosocial behavior, which can be tested through research. Choice A, 'theory,' is incorrect because a theory is a broader explanation that integrates a range of findings and observations. Choice B, 'research question,' is incorrect as it refers to an inquiry that asks about the relationship between variables but lacks the specificity and testability of a hypothesis. Choice D, 'research design,' is incorrect as it pertains to the overall strategy or plan for conducting a research study, not the specific prediction Dr. George made.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: According to operant conditioning theory, the frequency of a behavior can be increased by following it with a wide variety of reinforcers. In operant conditioning, behaviors are shaped through reinforcement, which can be positive (rewarding) or negative (removal of something unpleasant). By providing reinforcement following a behavior, the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future is increased. This supports the notion that the frequency of a behavior can be increased by using reinforcers in operant conditioning. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because operant conditioning focuses on the relationship between behavior and its consequences through reinforcement (positive or negative) to increase the likelihood of the behavior recurring, rather than punishment, cultural influences, or the development of the id based on societal values.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The outermost level of Bronfenbrenner's model is the macrosystem. This level refers to the broader cultural context that shapes the values, laws, customs, and resources of a particular society. It includes factors such as ideology, political systems, societal norms, and cultural influences that impact development at all other levels within the model. Choice A, microsystem, refers to the immediate environment or setting in which an individual lives and interacts. Choice C, exosystem, involves settings that individuals do not directly experience but still influence them. Choice D, mesosystem, refers to the connections between various aspects of an individual's microsystem.