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. Max, age 65, learned to play the piano at a local senior center. Max demonstrates that __________.

A. aging is an eventual 'shipwreck'
B. learning follows a predictable timetable
C. development is plastic at all ages
D. musical talent peaks in late adulthood

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Max, age 65, learning to play the piano at a local senior center demonstrates that development is plastic at all ages. This means that individuals have the potential to learn and grow regardless of their age, showing that it is never too late to acquire new skills and experiences. Choice A is incorrect because it presents a negative view of aging, which is not supported by Max's actions. Choice B is incorrect as it implies that learning is restricted to certain age periods, which is contradicted by Max's experience. Choice D is incorrect because Max's learning of the piano at 65 suggests that musical talent can be developed at any age, not necessarily peaking in late adulthood.

3. The effects of stress on the developing organism can be greatly reduced if the expectant mother __________.

A. has access to social support during stressful periods
B. takes a low dose of anti-anxiety medication
C. takes a folic acid supplement early in pregnancy
D. is placed on bed rest during the last trimester

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Having access to social support during stressful periods can greatly reduce the effects of stress on the developing organism. Social support can provide emotional comfort, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging, which can help the expectant mother cope with stress more effectively. This support system can also help mitigate the negative impact of stress on the developing baby during pregnancy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while folic acid is important for prenatal health, it does not directly address the effects of stress. Taking anti-anxiety medication should be done under medical supervision and as a last resort due to potential risks to the developing baby. Bed rest during the last trimester is not a solution to reduce the effects of stress and may not address the underlying causes of stress.

4. Evolutionary developmental psychology __________.

A. focuses on how the structures of the mind develop to better fit with, or represent, the external world
B. seeks to understand the adaptive value of species-wide competencies as those competencies change with age
C. views the human mind as a symbol-manipulating system through which information flows
D. brings together researchers from many fields to study changes in the brain and behavior patterns

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Evolutionary developmental psychology seeks to understand the adaptive value of species-wide competencies as those competencies change with age. This field focuses on how psychological traits and behaviors have evolved to enhance survival and reproduction over time. It emphasizes the interaction between evolutionary principles and developmental processes to provide insights into human behavior and cognition. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the primary focus of evolutionary developmental psychology. Choice A is more aligned with cognitive psychology, choice C relates to cognitive science, and choice D could pertain to multidisciplinary approaches but not specifically to evolutionary developmental psychology.

5. __________, a strong type of painkiller used in labor and delivery, blocks sensation.

A. Anesthetics
B. Analgesics
C. Anti-inflammatories
D. Folic acids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Anesthetics, such as epidurals, are a strong type of painkiller used in labor and delivery that block sensation. They work by numbing the nerves in the lower part of the spine, providing pain relief during childbirth. Choice B, Analgesics, are pain relievers that reduce pain without causing loss of consciousness, but they are not as strong as anesthetics for labor pain. Choice C, Anti-inflammatories, are medications that reduce inflammation and do not directly block sensation like anesthetics. Choice D, Folic acids, are a type of B vitamin crucial for cell growth and metabolism, not used as painkillers in labor and delivery.