a theory of development
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Human Growth and Development Exam 1

1. A theory of development __________.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A theory of development describes, explains, and predicts behavior. It provides a framework for understanding how individuals grow and change over time. The purpose of a theory is not to illustrate ultimate truth or explain all aspects of human growth, but rather to help researchers and practitioners make sense of and predict human behavior. Theories are expected to be tested and refined through scientific verification. Choice A is incorrect because theories do not necessarily illustrate ultimate truth. Choice C is incorrect as theories focus on behavior and development, not all aspects of human growth. Choice D is incorrect because scientific verification is essential for theories to be valid and reliable.

2. In a longitudinal design, participants are studied repeatedly at different ages, and changes are noted as they get older.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: longitudinal. In a longitudinal design, participants are followed and studied over an extended period, allowing researchers to observe changes and continuity in development as individuals age. This design is crucial for understanding how individuals grow and change over time. Cross-sectional studies (Choice A) involve comparing different groups at the same time point, while experimental studies (Choice B) involve manipulating variables to observe their effects. Correlational studies (Choice D) examine relationships between variables but do not involve studying participants over time.

3. In mammals, including humans, the sense of smell __________.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The sense of smell in mammals, including humans, plays a crucial role in helping mothers and babies identify each other. This is important for initiating bonding and caregiving behaviors. Choice A is incorrect because the sense of smell is functional at birth and not entirely underdeveloped for several years. Choice C is incorrect as the sense of smell is actually well-developed at birth. Choice D is incorrect because the sense of smell is functional from birth and does not take several months to become adultlike.

4. When faced with a problem, Sydney starts with a hypothesis, deduces testable inferences, and isolates and combines variables to see which inferences are confirmed. Sydney is in Piaget's __________ stage of development.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sydney's approach of starting with a hypothesis, deducing testable inferences, and isolating and combining variables to confirm inferences aligns with the characteristics of the formal operational stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development. This stage typically emerges during adolescence and is characterized by advanced logical thinking, abstract reasoning, and the ability to think systematically about all possible outcomes of a problem. Choice A, sensorimotor, is incorrect as it pertains to the stage where infants learn through sensory experiences and motor actions. Choice B, preoperational, is incorrect as it involves egocentrism and lack of conservation. Choice C, concrete operational, is incorrect as it focuses on operational thought and logical reasoning in concrete contexts.

5. An experimental design __________.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An experimental design permits inferences about cause and effect because researchers evenhandedly assign people to treatment conditions. This means that researchers can manipulate certain variables and observe the effects on participants, allowing them to determine causation between variables. This is a key strength of experimental research designs. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the primary purpose or strength of experimental designs. Experimental designs do not focus on gathering information in natural life circumstances (A), looking at relationships between characteristics and behavior (B), or have the limitation of not being able to infer cause and effect (D).

Similar Questions

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