Human Growth and Development Exam 1

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Lev Vygotsky viewed cognitive development as a socially mediated process, emphasizing the role of social interactions and cultural influences in shaping a child's cognitive development. This is in contrast to Jean Piaget, who focused more on individual interactions with the environment. Vygotsky believed that cognitive development is significantly influenced by social interactions with others, highlighting the importance of collaborative learning and cultural context. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with Vygotsky's perspective on cognitive development.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A theory of development describes, explains, and predicts behavior. It provides a framework for understanding how individuals grow and change over time. The purpose of a theory is not to illustrate ultimate truth or explain all aspects of human growth, but rather to help researchers and practitioners make sense of and predict human behavior. Theories are expected to be tested and refined through scientific verification. Choice A is incorrect because theories do not necessarily illustrate ultimate truth. Choice C is incorrect as theories focus on behavior and development, not all aspects of human growth. Choice D is incorrect because scientific verification is essential for theories to be valid and reliable.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: One criticism of Freud's psychosexual theory was that it did not apply to other cultures. Freud developed his theory based on observations and cases from his clinical practice in a specific cultural context, mainly Western society. This limited cultural scope raised concerns about the generalizability and applicability of his theories to diverse cultural settings. Choice B is incorrect because Freud's theory actually emphasized the significant influence of sexual feelings on human development. Choice C is incorrect because Freud's theory focused on stages of psychosexual development rather than comparing human development to the evolution of the human species. Choice D is incorrect because Freud's psychosexual theory considered environmental influences, although it primarily centered on internal drives and conflicts.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The outermost level of Bronfenbrenner's model is the macrosystem. This level refers to the broader cultural context that shapes the values, laws, customs, and resources of a particular society. It includes factors such as ideology, political systems, societal norms, and cultural influences that impact development at all other levels within the model. Choice A, microsystem, refers to the immediate environment or setting in which an individual lives and interacts. Choice C, exosystem, involves settings that individuals do not directly experience but still influence them. Choice D, mesosystem, refers to the connections between various aspects of an individual's microsystem.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A sequential design permits researchers to check if cohort effects are operating. This design involves combining cross-sectional and longitudinal research, allowing for the comparison of different cohorts at different ages. By using this approach, researchers can determine if developmental changes observed are due to age or generation-specific factors. Therefore, a sequential design is valuable in addressing the potential influence of cohort effects on developmental outcomes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a sequential design does not neglect diversity in developmental outcomes, is not necessarily less efficient than a longitudinal design, and can make both cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons.