Human Growth and Development Exam 1

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'In South Africa, 30 percent of all pregnant women are HIV-positive.' This statement is true as South Africa has a high prevalence of HIV among pregnant women, emphasizing the need for interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is inaccurate as women account for more than 50% of new HIV infections globally. Choice C is misleading as the majority of new HIV infections actually occur in sub-Saharan Africa, not just developing countries. Choice D is also incorrect as without treatment, the risk of mother-to-child transmission is higher than 30%.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: According to operant conditioning theory, the frequency of a behavior can be increased by following it with a wide variety of reinforcers. In operant conditioning, behaviors are shaped through reinforcement, which can be positive (rewarding) or negative (removal of something unpleasant). By providing reinforcement following a behavior, the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future is increased. This supports the notion that the frequency of a behavior can be increased by using reinforcers in operant conditioning. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because operant conditioning focuses on the relationship between behavior and its consequences through reinforcement (positive or negative) to increase the likelihood of the behavior recurring, rather than punishment, cultural influences, or the development of the id based on societal values.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Passive smoking, also known as secondhand smoke, can have harmful effects on pregnancies. Research has shown that exposure to smoke-filled environments during pregnancy is linked to low birth weight, infant death, and childhood respiratory illnesses. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to secondhand smoke to protect the health of their unborn babies. Choice A is incorrect because passive smoking affects both the mother and the unborn child, not just children born to heavy smokers. Choice C is incorrect as it underestimates the risks of smoke-filled environments on unborn children. Choice D is incorrect as research has already established the harmful effects of passive smoking on pregnancies.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a structured observation, each participant has an equal opportunity to display the behavior of interest because the researcher designs a specific set of conditions or tasks for all participants to engage in, providing a standardized environment for observation. This allows for fair and equitable observations across all participants, ensuring that each individual has the same opportunities to exhibit the behavior being studied. Choice A, clinical interview, typically involves a one-on-one interaction between a researcher and a participant focusing on collecting information through questions and answers, not providing equal opportunities for behavior display. Choice B, naturalistic observation, involves observing individuals in their natural environment without intervention or manipulation of conditions, which may not always ensure equal opportunities for behavior display. Choice D, case study, focuses on in-depth analysis of a single individual or a small group, providing detailed information but not necessarily ensuring equal opportunities for behavior display among participants.