Human Growth and Development Final Exam

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The clinical method is an outgrowth of psychoanalytic theory. This method involves in-depth, one-on-one interviews or therapy sessions to explore an individual's unconscious thoughts and emotions. It aims to gain insight into the underlying causes of behavior and psychological issues, aligning with the foundational principles of psychoanalytic theory developed by Sigmund Freud. Choices A, B, and C are not directly associated with psychoanalytic theory. Naturalistic observation, structured observation, and ethnography focus on observing behavior in natural settings, systematic observation in controlled environments, and studying cultures and societies, respectively, which are not specific to the psychoanalytic approach.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: According to social learning theory, children primarily learn through modeling, observation, and imitation of others. This theory emphasizes the importance of cognitive processes in learning, as opposed to only focusing on direct reinforcement or punishment. Social learning theory was developed by psychologist Albert Bandura and is a key theory in the field of child development. Choice A, reinforcement, is incorrect as it refers to the process of strengthening a behavior through rewards or punishments. Choice B, operant conditioning, is also incorrect as it is a learning process that involves reinforcement and punishment to shape behavior. Choice D, classical conditioning, is not the correct answer as it involves learning through association between stimuli.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A major strength of the longitudinal design is that researchers can examine relationships between early and later behaviors. This design allows researchers to observe and track changes in the same participants over an extended period of time, providing valuable insights into developmental trajectories and how behaviors are connected across different stages of life. Choice B is incorrect because longitudinal studies track changes over time, not necessarily collect a large amount of data in a short time span. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to cross-sectional studies rather than longitudinal studies. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a cross-sectional design where participants of different ages are studied at the same time.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Having access to social support during stressful periods can greatly reduce the effects of stress on the developing organism. Social support can provide emotional comfort, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging, which can help the expectant mother cope with stress more effectively. This support system can also help mitigate the negative impact of stress on the developing baby during pregnancy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while folic acid is important for prenatal health, it does not directly address the effects of stress. Taking anti-anxiety medication should be done under medical supervision and as a last resort due to potential risks to the developing baby. Bed rest during the last trimester is not a solution to reduce the effects of stress and may not address the underlying causes of stress.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: embryo. The most rapid prenatal changes occur during the embryo stage, which spans from approximately 2 to 8 weeks after conception. This period is crucial as major organs and systems of the body develop rapidly, laying the foundation for future growth and development. The zygote stage is the initial single-celled entity formed by the union of sperm and egg, while the blastocyst stage involves the cluster of cells resulting from the zygote dividing and growing. The fetus stage follows the embryo stage and focuses on refining and growing existing structures rather than rapid development. Therefore, the embryo stage is where the most significant and rapid changes take place in prenatal development.