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. What is the most common approach to controlling pain during labor?

A. an anesthetic
B. a spinal block
C. fetal monitoring
D. epidural analgesia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Epidural analgesia is the most common approach to controlling pain during labor. It involves the administration of pain medication through a catheter placed in the epidural space of the spine, providing pain relief while allowing the mother to remain alert and participate in the birthing process. It is preferred by many women due to its effectiveness in reducing labor pain. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly address pain management during labor. While an anesthetic and a spinal block are forms of pain relief, epidural analgesia is specifically the most common method used for pain control during labor.

3. Before the late 1800s, childbirth usually took place __________.

A. at home and was a family-centered event
B. at home, but away from other family members
C. in a hospital with trained midwives
D. in the home of a medical professional or in a hospital

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before the late 1800s, childbirth usually took place at home and was a family-centered event. During this period, most women gave birth at home with the help of family members and possibly a midwife. Hospitals were not common settings for childbirth at that time. Choice B is incorrect because childbirth was not typically done away from family members. Choice C is incorrect because hospitals were not the common setting for childbirth before the late 1800s. Choice D is incorrect because giving birth in the home of a medical professional or a hospital was not the norm during that period.

4. Many theorists believe that behaviorism and social learning theory ________.

A. overemphasize the plasticity of cognitive development
B. overestimate people's contributions to their own development
C. offer too narrow a view of important environmental influences
D. overemphasize each individual's unique life history

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Many theorists believe that behaviorism and social learning theory offer too narrow a view of important environmental influences. This is because they focus mainly on observable behaviors and external factors, neglecting the role of internal cognitive processes and individual differences in shaping development. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because behaviorism and social learning theory do not specifically emphasize the plasticity of cognitive development, overestimate people's contributions to their own development, or overemphasize each individual's unique life history. Instead, they are criticized for providing a limited perspective by focusing predominantly on external stimuli and behaviors.

5. The most rapid prenatal changes take place in the period of the __________.

A. zygote
B. blastocyst
C. embryo
D. fetus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: embryo. The most rapid prenatal changes occur during the embryo stage, which spans from approximately 2 to 8 weeks after conception. This period is crucial as major organs and systems of the body develop rapidly, laying the foundation for future growth and development. The zygote stage is the initial single-celled entity formed by the union of sperm and egg, while the blastocyst stage involves the cluster of cells resulting from the zygote dividing and growing. The fetus stage follows the embryo stage and focuses on refining and growing existing structures rather than rapid development. Therefore, the embryo stage is where the most significant and rapid changes take place in prenatal development.