Human Growth and Development Clep Practice Exam

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: competitive athletes. Competitive athletes are often studied by researchers to investigate the impact of biological aging on motor skills because their performance is closely linked to physical abilities. Sedentary adults (choice A) may not provide a clear understanding of the relationship between biological aging and motor skills as they may not engage in consistent physical activity. Men in their mid- to late thirties (choice C) and women in their childbearing years (choice D) may not represent a group where motor skills are as finely tuned and critical to performance as in competitive athletes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Vygotsky viewed make-believe play as the ideal social context for fostering cognitive development in early childhood. Make-believe play encourages children to explore various roles and scenarios, promoting cognitive and social development. Sensorimotor play focuses on physical interactions with the environment, while block play involves building and construction activities. Parallel play refers to children playing alongside each other without direct interaction, which is not the type of play Vygotsky emphasized for cognitive development.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: deficits.' Most cognitive aging research has indeed focused on deficits rather than stability, gains, or competence. Studies have consistently shown that deficits in processing speed and memory are common in aging individuals, making it a primary area of interest in research. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because cognitive aging research primarily aims to understand and address deficits associated with aging rather than focusing on stability, gains, or overall competence.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Avoidant.' Avoidant coping refers to strategies that involve avoiding the problem and focusing more on emotions. This type of coping mechanism can often lead to negative outcomes as individuals may engage in self-blaming, impulsive behaviors, or seek escapist routes rather than addressing the issue directly. Choice B, 'Ineffective,' is a broad term and does not specifically capture the characteristics described in the question. Choice C, 'Problem-focused,' is the opposite of avoidant coping as it involves actively addressing the issue at hand. Choice D, 'Flexible,' does not align with the description provided, as flexibility in coping involves adapting strategies based on the situation, not necessarily being emotion-focused, self-blaming, impulsive, or escapist.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'secure.' Research shows that the secure attachment pattern is the most common across various societies. In this pattern, children feel safe, secure, and loved, allowing them to explore the world and seek comfort from their caregivers when needed. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while these attachment patterns exist, they are not as prevalent or universal as the secure attachment pattern. Insecure-avoidant attachment involves children avoiding or ignoring their caregiver, insecure-resistant attachment consists of ambivalence and mixed emotions towards the caregiver, and disorganized/disoriented attachment is characterized by inconsistent and often chaotic behaviors towards the caregiver.