Human Growth and Development Final Exam Answers

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The corrected statement 'Paul learned to play the violin at a young age' provides an example of an age-graded influence. This is because learning to play the violin is a behavior that is typical or expected at a certain age, reflecting how age influences individuals' experiences and development. In contrast, choices B, C, and D do not directly relate to age-graded influences. Jack's enjoyment of hiking, Sarah's preference for reading mystery novels, and Alex's proficiency in mathematics are not inherently tied to age-related developmental influences.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Central to Piaget's theory is the concept of adaptation, which refers to the process by which individuals adjust to new information and experiences by modifying their existing cognitive structures. Piaget believed that this process of adaptation involved two key components: assimilation, where individuals incorporate new information into their existing schemas, and accommodation, where individuals adjust their schemas to fit new information. This concept highlights the dynamic nature of cognitive development and the importance of interaction between individuals and their environment in shaping intellectual growth. Choice A, 'imitation,' is incorrect as Piaget's theory focuses on how individuals actively construct their understanding of the world through their interactions with it, rather than simply imitating others. Choice C, 'self-efficacy,' is not the central concept in Piaget's theory; self-efficacy is a concept from Bandura's social cognitive theory. Choice D, 'scaffolding,' is associated with Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, not Piaget's theory.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Brain weight increases tenfold from the twentieth week until birth. This rapid growth and development of the brain during the prenatal period is crucial for setting the foundation for future cognitive and neurological functions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because although they also undergo changes during prenatal development, none of them increase tenfold from the twentieth week until birth, unlike brain weight.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Dr. Dias's research findings indicate a correlation between the death of a spouse and a decline in the surviving partner's physical health. This correlation suggests a relationship between the two variables, but it does not necessarily imply a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Therefore, the correct conclusion supported by this study is option B - 'The death of a spouse is related to a decline in the surviving partner's physical health.' Option A is too direct in its causation claim, which is not proven by correlation alone. Option C reverses the cause and effect relationship suggested by the research. Option D introduces an unrelated third variable, which is not supported by the study's findings.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Baby Ian is demonstrating the Moro reflex. The Moro reflex is a normal newborn reflex that occurs when a baby feels like they are falling or losing support. It is characterized by arching the back, extending the legs, throwing the arms outward, and then bringing the arms in toward the body. This reflex is a primitive survival instinct that typically disappears around 6 months of age. Choice A, palmar grasp, involves the baby's fingers closing around an object when it touches their palm. Choice C, tonic neck reflex, involves the baby assuming a fencing position when their head is turned to one side. Choice D, Babinski reflex, is characterized by the fanning out and curling of the baby's toes when the sole of the foot is stroked.