Human Growth and Development Final Exam Answers

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The information-processing approach views the human mind as a symbol-manipulating system through which information flows. This perspective emphasizes how information is received, processed, stored, and retrieved in the mind, similar to how a computer processes data through symbols and operations. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not align with the fundamental principles of the information-processing approach, which focuses on the mind's symbolic manipulation of information rather than being a socially mediated process, a collection of stimuli and responses, or a system of genetically programmed behaviors.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: One challenge associated with longitudinal research is that participants may relocate or drop out of the study over time. This can result in missing data and potential biases in the findings, impacting the study's overall validity and reliability. Furthermore, it can present difficulties for researchers in accurately monitoring and analyzing changes in individuals over an extended period. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because longitudinal research can indeed allow for inferences about cause-and-effect relationships, findings can be generalized to the real world with appropriate design and sampling, and it is suitable for studying individual developmental patterns.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ivan Pavlov discovered classical conditioning. This is a form of learning in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus and acquires the capacity to elicit a similar response. Pavlov's famous experiment with dogs, where he conditioned them to salivate at the sound of a bell, demonstrated this principle. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Pavlov's work primarily focused on classical conditioning, not observational learning, ego contributions to development, or the clinical method.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A case study would be the best method for Dr. Bigelow to study musical prodigies. In a case study, the researcher can closely examine and analyze the unique characteristics, abilities, and behaviors of individual subjects. This method allows for in-depth exploration of a specific phenomenon, making it ideal for investigating exceptional cases such as musical prodigies. Naturalistic observation involves observing subjects in their natural environment without interference, which may not provide the detailed insights needed for studying musical prodigies. Clinical interviews focus on gathering information through structured questioning, not ideal for studying unique talents. Structured interviews involve asking a set of predetermined questions, which may not allow for the depth of exploration required for studying musical prodigies.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the researchers randomly assigned adolescents to either a single-grade classroom or a mixed-age classroom, which is an example of a field experiment. A field experiment involves manipulating independent variables in a natural setting to observe the effects on participants. This design allows for more control over variables compared to naturalistic observation, case studies, or natural experiments. Naturalistic observation involves observing subjects in their natural environment without manipulating any variables. A case study focuses on in-depth analysis of a single individual or a small group. A natural experiment involves observing naturally occurring events without intervention or manipulation by the researcher.