Human Growth and Development Final Exam

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: C

Rationale: In field experiments, researchers randomly assign participants to treatment conditions in natural settings. This method allows for a higher level of control over potential confounding variables compared to non-random assignment. Random assignment helps ensure that the groups being compared are comparable at the beginning of the study, which strengthens the internal validity of the research findings. Choice A is incorrect because selective assignment may introduce bias. Choice B is incorrect as researchers can use random assignment in field experiments. Choice D is incorrect because field experiments typically have less control over the treatment compared to laboratory experiments.

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: B

Rationale: Ethnographies reveal that immigrant parents prioritize education as the surest way to improve life chances for their children. While learning English is important for integration, education is considered the key for better opportunities and success in the long term. Close ties to an ethnic community can provide support but may not directly lead to improved life chances. Moving into an urban area is not highlighted in the context of immigrant parents' views on improving life chances through their children's development.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A major strength of the longitudinal design is that researchers can examine relationships between early and later behaviors. This design allows researchers to observe and track changes in the same participants over an extended period of time, providing valuable insights into developmental trajectories and how behaviors are connected across different stages of life. Choice B is incorrect because longitudinal studies track changes over time, not necessarily collect a large amount of data in a short time span. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to cross-sectional studies rather than longitudinal studies. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a cross-sectional design where participants of different ages are studied at the same time.