Human Growth and Development Final Exam

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: One major disadvantage of cross-sectional research is that factors affecting individual development cannot be explored thoroughly. Cross-sectional research involves comparing different groups of people at one specific point in time, and does not allow for tracking individual changes over time. This limitation means that the unique influences and trajectories of individual development may be overlooked in cross-sectional studies. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is not a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research as age-related changes can still be compared across different groups in this type of study. Choice B, while a potential issue in any study, is not specific to cross-sectional research. Choice D refers to a different type of bias caused by repeated testing rather than a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: According to Jean Piaget's cognitive-developmental theory, children actively construct knowledge as they manipulate and explore their world. Piaget emphasized that children learn through their own actions and interactions with the environment, leading to cognitive development. Choice B is incorrect because Piaget's theory focuses on children's active engagement in learning rather than passive reinforcement. Choice C is incorrect because Piaget's theory highlights the child's role in constructing knowledge, not solely relying on adult teaching. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to sensitive periods, a concept more associated with other developmental theories like Erikson's psychosocial theory, not Piaget's cognitive-developmental theory.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Sigmund Freud constructed his psychosexual theory on the basis of his adult patients' memories of painful childhood events. Freud believed that events in early childhood had a significant impact on an individual's development and personality. He used his patients' recollections of childhood experiences to develop his theories on psychosexual development. Choice B is incorrect as Freud did not base his theory on studies of animal behavior. Choice C is incorrect as Freud's theory was not solely based on interviews with institutionalized children and adolescents. Choice D is incorrect as Freud did not construct his theory by observing his own children.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The discontinuous view of development holds that infants and children have unique ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. This perspective suggests that development is not a continuous or smooth process, but rather occurs in distinct stages or phases marked by qualitative differences in abilities and behaviors. This contrasts with the idea that development is a gradual augmentation of skills present from the beginning (choice B) or that infants and preschoolers respond to the world in the same way as adults (choice A). Choice D is incorrect because the discontinuous view does not consider development as a smooth process limited by a lack of information and precision. Ultimately, the discontinuous view emphasizes the distinct and evolving nature of development across the lifespan.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: By the end of Greta's first month of pregnancy, her embryo is about � inch long. During the first month of pregnancy, the embryo is in the very early stages of development, and its size is typically around � inch as it continues to grow and develop in the uterus. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because sensory abilities like sensing the world, sucking thumb, and curling toes develop later in the pregnancy as the embryo progresses through different stages of development.