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. Dr. Singh believes that a basic psychosocial conflict, which is resolved along a continuum from positive to negative, determines healthy or maladaptive outcomes at each stage of development. Dr. Singh's beliefs are aligned with those of which theorist?

A. G. Stanley Hall
B. Sigmund Freud
C. Erik Erikson
D. B. F. Skinner

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.

3. Lanugo ________.

A. permits food and oxygen to reach the organism
B. provides the fetus a cushion against jolts caused by the mother's movements
C. helps regulate the fetus's body temperature
D. helps the vernix stick to the skin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Lanugo helps the vernix stick to the skin. Vernix is a waxy substance that covers the fetus's skin during pregnancy. Lanugo is a fine, downy hair that helps to anchor the vernix to the skin, providing protection and nourishment to the developing fetus. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the role of lanugo in prenatal development.

4. Which statement about the harm done by teratogens is true?

A. Passive smoking can be harmful to the developing fetus.
B. The genetic makeup of the mother and the developing organism plays an important role.
C. The negative impact of teratogens is usually reversible.
D. The most serious defects occur in the germinal period.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The statement that the genetic makeup of the mother and the developing organism plays an important role in the harm done by teratogens is true. Genetic factors can influence susceptibility to teratogens, and the interaction between genetic and environmental factors plays a significant role in determining the impact on the developing fetus. This highlights the importance of considering both genetic and environmental influences when assessing risks to prenatal development. Choice A is incorrect as passive smoking can indeed be harmful to the developing fetus. Choice C is incorrect as the negative impact of teratogens is often not reversible. Choice D is incorrect as serious defects can occur throughout prenatal development, not just in the germinal period.

5. Why do young infants usually cry?

A. because they are bored
B. in shrill, piercing tones
C. because of physical needs
D. all night long

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Young infants usually cry because of physical needs such as hunger, discomfort, or needing to be changed. It is their way of communicating these needs to their caregivers as they are unable to do so in any other way. Choice A is incorrect because infants cry primarily to communicate physical needs, not because they are bored. Choice B is incorrect because the tone of the cry is not the reason why infants cry. Choice D is incorrect because infants cry for various physical needs, not necessarily all night long.