Human Growth and Development Exam Questions

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The statement that is true about a blastocyst is that between the seventh and ninth days, it burrows deep into the uterine lining. This process, known as implantation, is essential for the blastocyst to establish a connection with the mother's body and receive nutrients for further development. It is a critical stage in prenatal development and sets the foundation for pregnancy. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A blastocyst is not a single cell but rather a structure composed of many cells. It is not a structure that feeds the developing organism; instead, it implants in the uterine lining to receive nutrients. It is not a membrane that regulates temperature but plays a crucial role in the initial stages of pregnancy by implanting in the uterus.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: To avoid exposure to toxoplasmosis, Kaye should ask other family members to change the litter box. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can be transmitted through cat feces, so it is important for pregnant women to avoid handling cat litter to reduce the risk of infection. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they are not directly related to preventing toxoplasmosis. Smoking cessation is important for overall health but not specifically to prevent toxoplasmosis. Picking up after the dog and feeding the fish are not relevant to preventing toxoplasmosis, as the infection is primarily associated with cat feces.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The difficulty in isolating the precise damage caused by illegal drugs during pregnancy is due to the fact that drug users often take several drugs, display other high-risk behaviors, and suffer from other stresses. This makes it challenging to identify the specific impact of each individual factor on prenatal development. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not address the complexity of the situation involving drug users during pregnancy. Most drug-using mothers refusing to participate in teratology research, the majority of babies not surviving, or drug-using mothers quitting during the first trimester do not directly explain the difficulty in isolating the precise damage caused by illegal drugs during pregnancy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Vygotsky's emphasis on culture and social experience did not lead him to neglect the biological side of development. Instead, he believed that biological factors and social influences interact to shape cognitive development. Choice A is correct because it reflects Vygotsky's view that biological factors and social experiences work together in cognitive development. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as Vygotsky's emphasis was not on overemphasizing heredity, focusing solely on independent efforts of children, or placing too much emphasis on children's capacity to shape their own development.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Dr. Singh's beliefs align with Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory of development. Erikson proposed that individuals go through a series of psychosocial stages, with each stage characterized by a basic conflict that must be resolved to achieve healthy development. This conflict is resolved along a continuum from positive to negative outcomes. Choice A, G. Stanley Hall, is incorrect as his work focused on adolescence and evolutionary psychology. Choice B, Sigmund Freud, is incorrect as his psychoanalytic theory is more focused on the unconscious mind and psychosexual stages. Choice D, B. F. Skinner, is incorrect as he is associated with behaviorism and operant conditioning, which is different from Erikson's psychosocial theory.