Human Growth and Development Clep Practice Exam

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Vygotsky believed that language plays a crucial role in the development of higher cognitive functions. Language enables individuals to communicate, think abstractly, and engage in complex problem-solving, forming the foundation for higher cognitive processes. Egocentrism (Choice A) refers to a stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development, not Vygotsky's. Sensorimotor activity (Choice C) is part of Piaget's stages of cognitive development, focusing on how infants understand the world through sensory experiences and physical actions. Self-reflection (Choice D) involves introspection and examination of one's thoughts and feelings, which is not the central concept in Vygotsky's theory.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Physical activity is known to have a positive impact on mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Choice B is incorrect because physical activity generally improves both mood and alertness. Choice C is incorrect as physical activity tends to increase mood, alertness, and energy levels. Choice D is incorrect as physical activity actually increases neural activity in the cerebral cortex, which is associated with improved cognitive function and mental well-being.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'the United States.' According to the information provided, the United States has the highest percentage of extremely poor children among Western nations. This is supported by the extract, which states that the United States leads in this aspect. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as the question specifically asks for the country with the highest percentage of extremely poor children among Western nations, which is the United States.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, despair is the stage that aging adults face when they reflect on their life and feel they have not achieved their goals, with little time left to correct their mistakes. Mistrust (choice A) is associated with infancy, stagnation (choice C) with middle adulthood, and isolation (choice D) with young adulthood, and are not relevant to the described scenario of aging adults reflecting on their life decisions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A circular reaction is a process where an infant repeats a specific action to explore and learn about the environment through their own motor activity. This repetition helps the infant to understand the consequences of their actions and build cognitive schemes. Sensorimotor reflex (choice A) refers to automatic responses to stimuli, not a purposeful repetition of actions to learn. Mental representation (choice C) involves internal cognitive structures to represent objects or events in the mind, which is different from the repetitive behavior described in the question. Goal-directed behavior (choice D) is purposeful and intentional, unlike the repetitive nature of circular reactions in infants' learning process.