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. 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.

3. Nine-month-old Avery can retrieve his ball when his mother hides it under a blanket. Avery has begun to master __________.

A. the tertiary circular reaction
B. reflexive schemes
C. object permanence
D. deferred imitation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Avery demonstrating the ability to retrieve his ball hidden under a blanket indicates that he has started to understand object permanence. Object permanence is the concept that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight. This milestone typically occurs around 8-12 months of age. The other choices are incorrect. Option A, the tertiary circular reaction, is related to Piaget's theory of sensorimotor development but does not specifically address object permanence. Reflexive schemes (Option B) refer to simple, reflex-like behaviors and are not directly linked to object permanence. Deferred imitation (Option D) involves the ability to imitate actions observed at an earlier time, which is a different developmental milestone compared to object permanence.

4. According to Jean Piaget, what is the balance between internal structures and information that children encounter in their everyday worlds?

A. imitation
B. adaptation
C. cognition
D. equilibrium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: According to Jean Piaget, equilibrium is the balance between what children already know (internal structures) and the new information they encounter. Imitation (choice A) is not directly related to this concept. Adaptation (choice B) involves adjusting to new information and is part of Piaget's theory, but it does not specifically refer to the balance between internal structures and external information. Cognition (choice C) is a broader term that encompasses mental processes, including thinking, learning, and problem-solving, but it is not specifically about the balance between internal structures and external information as equilibrium is.

5. According to the lifespan perspective, _______ is supreme in its impact on the life course.

A. the prenatal period
B. early childhood
C. adolescence
D. no age period

Correct answer: D

Rationale: According to the lifespan perspective, no single period is considered supreme in its impact on the life course. Each stage of life, from prenatal period through adulthood, plays a significant role in shaping an individual's development. Therefore, the correct answer is 'D: no age period.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the lifespan perspective emphasizes that all stages are important and contribute uniquely to an individual's life course.