a major strength of the longitudinal design is that researchers can

ATI RN

Human Growth and Development Final Exam

1. What is a major strength of the longitudinal design?

A. Examine relationships between early and later behaviors
B. Collect a large amount of data in a short time span
C. Explore similarities among children of different cohorts
D. Study participants differing in age at the same point in time

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.

2. The lifespan perspective on human development assumes that development is __________.

A. static and stable
B. multidimensional and multidirectional
C. continuous, rather than discontinuous
D. largely the result of heredity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The lifespan perspective on human development assumes that development is multidimensional and multidirectional. This means that development occurs in various domains (such as physical, cognitive, and psychosocial) and can involve gains and losses as individuals age. This perspective recognizes that human development is complex and dynamic, involving various factors and pathways over the course of a person's life. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because human development is not static and stable (A), can involve both continuous and discontinuous changes (C), and is influenced by a combination of heredity and environment rather than solely by heredity (D).

3. Brain growth is especially dramatic during __________, when the brain more than doubles in size.

A. the first year
B. the second year
C. middle childhood
D. adolescence

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Brain growth is especially dramatic during the first year of life when the brain more than doubles in size. This period is characterized by rapid neural development and growth. The brain doesn't double in size during the second year, making choice B incorrect. Middle childhood and adolescence do not represent periods where the brain more than doubles in size, making choices C and D incorrect, respectively.

4. One criticism of the information-processing approach is that it __________.

A. underestimates the individual's contribution to his or her own development
B. ignores transformation in adulthood, concluding that no major cognitive changes occur after adolescence
C. underestimates the competencies of infants and preschoolers, focusing on older children and adolescents
D. is better at analyzing thinking into its components than at putting them back together into a comprehensive theory

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The criticism that the information-processing approach ignores transformation in adulthood, concluding that no major cognitive changes occur after adolescence, suggests a limitation of the theory in not fully acknowledging that cognitive development continues throughout the lifespan. This criticism highlights a potential drawback of the approach in terms of its understanding of cognitive changes beyond adolescence. Choice A is incorrect because the criticism is not about underestimating the individual's contribution. Choice C is also incorrect as the criticism is not related to age-specific competencies. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on a different aspect of the information-processing approach.

5. During adolescence, the young person's vision of self becomes __________.

A. more inconsistent
B. more well-organized
C. less complex
D. unbalanced

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During adolescence, self-concept becomes more organized and consistent as individuals integrate different aspects of their identity. This process involves understanding oneself better, recognizing strengths and weaknesses, and forming a more coherent sense of identity. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because adolescence is typically a period of increased self-awareness and growth, leading to a more structured and integrated self-concept, rather than one that is inconsistent, less complex, or unbalanced.