Human Growth and Development Clep Practice Exam

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, when parents support a child's growing independence with guidance and reassurance, the child develops a sense of autonomy. Autonomy is characterized by a growing sense of self-control, confidence, and independence. Basic trust (choice A) is associated with the first stage of Erikson's theory (trust vs. mistrust) during infancy. Mistrust (choice B) arises when a child's basic needs are not met consistently, leading to a lack of trust in the world. Industry (choice D) is related to Erikson's later stages of development and involves competence and productivity in work and tasks.

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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Lev Vygotsky. Vygotsky emphasized the role of social interaction and cultural tools in the development of higher cognitive functions. Jean Piaget focused more on individual cognitive development stages, Ren�e Baillargeon is known for her work in infant cognition and object permanence, and Noam Chomsky is renowned for his theories in linguistics and the study of language.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Avery demonstrating the ability to retrieve his ball hidden under a blanket indicates that he has started to understand object permanence. Object permanence is the concept that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight. This milestone typically occurs around 8-12 months of age. The other choices are incorrect. Option A, the tertiary circular reaction, is related to Piaget's theory of sensorimotor development but does not specifically address object permanence. Reflexive schemes (Option B) refer to simple, reflex-like behaviors and are not directly linked to object permanence. Deferred imitation (Option D) involves the ability to imitate actions observed at an earlier time, which is a different developmental milestone compared to object permanence.

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.