g stanley hall and his student arnold gesell

ATI RN

Human Growth and Development Final Exam

1. G. Stanley Hall and his student, Arnold Gesell, __________.

A. discovered that prenatal growth is strikingly similar in many species
B. launched the normative approach
C. constructed the first standardized intelligence test
D. were the forefathers of psychoanalytic theory

Correct answer: B

Rationale: G. Stanley Hall and his student, Arnold Gesell, launched the normative approach. This approach involves studying large numbers of people of different ages and examining the age-related averages of behaviors to establish norms or typical development patterns. These scholars focused on the systematic observation of how and when certain behaviors appear in children. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the contributions of G. Stanley Hall and Arnold Gesell in the field of developmental psychology.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Longitudinal research can identify common patterns as well as individual differences in development because the investigator __________.

A. studies groups of participants differing in age at the same point in time
B. randomly assigns participants to treatment conditions
C. tracks the performance of each person over time
D. conducts quasi-experiments, comparing conditions that already exist

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Longitudinal research involves tracking the performance of each person over time. By doing so, researchers can observe common patterns in development among a group of individuals and also identify individual differences in how each person progresses over time. This methodology allows researchers to gather data on the same individuals repeatedly, offering insights into how development unfolds over the lifespan. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because longitudinal research focuses on observing individuals over time rather than studying groups at a single point, randomly assigning participants to treatments, or conducting quasi-experiments.

5. Which statement about prenatal marijuana exposure is true?

A. It is linked to impulsivity and overactivity.
B. Lasting consequences are well-established.
C. Studies show no negative effects of exposure.
D. It is linked to an array of physical malformations.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'It is linked to impulsivity and overactivity.' Prenatal marijuana exposure has been associated with impulsivity and overactivity in children based on research findings. However, lasting consequences of prenatal marijuana exposure are not as well-established compared to other teratogens. Choice B is incorrect because lasting consequences are not firmly established. Choice C is incorrect because studies have shown negative effects of prenatal marijuana exposure. Choice D is incorrect as prenatal marijuana exposure is not primarily linked to physical malformations.