Human Growth and Development Final Exam

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Recent evidence suggests that paternal alcohol use around the time of conception can alter gene expression. This means that paternal alcohol consumption can potentially impact the genes and genetic materials passed on to offspring, affecting their development and health. Choice B is incorrect because fetal alcohol syndrome is typically associated with maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, not paternal alcohol use around conception. Choice C is incorrect as there is no direct link between paternal alcohol use and blood vessel abnormalities. Choice D is incorrect as paternal alcohol use can indeed have negative effects on the developing organism, particularly through altering gene expression.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In an experiment, the independent variable is the one that the investigator expects to cause changes in another variable. It is the factor that is deliberately manipulated or changed by the researcher to observe its effects on the dependent variable. The purpose of manipulating the independent variable is to study its impact on the outcome, allowing researchers to establish cause-and-effect relationships in their investigations. Choice A is incorrect because the independent variable is not influenced but rather influences another variable. Choice C is incorrect as the independent variable is intentionally manipulated by the researcher. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to a different concept unrelated to the independent variable in an experiment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: embryo. The most rapid prenatal changes occur during the embryo stage, which spans from approximately 2 to 8 weeks after conception. This period is crucial as major organs and systems of the body develop rapidly, laying the foundation for future growth and development. The zygote stage is the initial single-celled entity formed by the union of sperm and egg, while the blastocyst stage involves the cluster of cells resulting from the zygote dividing and growing. The fetus stage follows the embryo stage and focuses on refining and growing existing structures rather than rapid development. Therefore, the embryo stage is where the most significant and rapid changes take place in prenatal development.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Theorists who emphasize stability argue that powerful negative events early in life cannot be completely overcome by later, more positive experiences. They believe that early experiences have a lasting impact on development and are not easily erased or reversed by subsequent events. This perspective contrasts with the idea of plasticity, which suggests that development can be influenced by experiences at any point in life, and that individuals have the capacity for change and growth throughout the lifespan. 'Nurture' does not directly address the concept of overcoming negative events, while 'discontinuity' refers to developmental stages being separate and distinct, not the idea that negative events early in life persist despite later positive experiences.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ecological systems theory views the person as developing within a complex system of relationships affected by multiple levels of the surrounding environment. This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals with their social and physical environment, recognizing that development is influenced by various factors interacting at different levels of the ecological system. Choice A is incorrect because it describes a genetically determined development process, which is not the focus of ecological systems theory. Choice C is incorrect because it highlights observational learning as the primary influence on development, neglecting the broader environmental factors. Choice D is incorrect as it compares the person to a computer system, which does not align with the principles of ecological systems theory.