like piagets theory the information processing approach

ATI RN

Human Growth and Development Exam 1

1. Like Piaget's theory, the information-processing approach __________.

A. divides development into stages
B. views development as discontinuous
C. regards people as actively making sense of their own thinking
D. has much to say about nonlinear cognition, such as imagination and creativity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'regards people as actively making sense of their own thinking.' The information-processing approach, similar to Piaget's theory, focuses on how individuals actively process information, encode it, store it, and retrieve it to understand the world around them. Choices A and B are incorrect because the information-processing approach does not necessarily divide development into stages or view development as discontinuous. Choice D is incorrect because the information-processing approach is more concerned with cognitive processes like encoding, storage, and retrieval, rather than nonlinear cognition such as imagination and creativity.

2. If learning has occurred in classical conditioning, and the neutral stimulus by itself produces a response similar to the reflexive response, the neutral stimulus is then called a __________.

A. neutral response
B. conditioned stimulus
C. conditioned response
D. reinforcer

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In classical conditioning, when a neutral stimulus triggers the reflexive response, it becomes a conditioned stimulus. Therefore, the correct term for the neutral stimulus that now elicits a response is a conditioned stimulus. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A neutral response is not a standard term in classical conditioning; a conditioned response is the learned response to the conditioned stimulus, not the neutral stimulus itself; a reinforcer is a stimulus that follows a behavior and increases the likelihood of that behavior happening again, which is not the same as a conditioned stimulus.

3. Which factor fosters a more positive, coherent early self-concept?

A. Permissive parenting
B. A warm, sensitive parent-child relationship
C. Authoritarian parenting
D. Strong identification with an other-sex parent

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A warm, sensitive parent-child relationship is crucial in fostering a positive and coherent early self-concept in children. This type of relationship provides support, security, and emotional guidance, helping children develop a strong sense of self-worth and self-identity. Permissive parenting (Choice A) may lead to confusion and inconsistency in discipline, impacting the child's self-concept negatively. Authoritarian parenting (Choice C), characterized by strict rules and a lack of warmth, can result in a child feeling insecure and having a negative self-concept. Strong identification with an other-sex parent (Choice D) may influence gender identity development but may not directly impact the early self-concept in the same way a warm and sensitive parent-child relationship does.

4. Which statement describes a strength of naturalistic observation?

A. It reflects the participants' everyday lives.
B. It permits comparisons of participants' responses.
C. Great depth and breadth of information can be obtained in a short time.
D. It grants each participant an equal opportunity to display the behavior of interest.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Naturalistic observation reflects the participants' everyday lives because it involves observing individuals in their natural environments without any manipulation. This allows researchers to see how people behave in real-world settings and can provide valuable insights into their typical behavior patterns. Choice B is incorrect because naturalistic observation focuses on observing behavior in its natural setting rather than comparing responses between participants. Choice C is incorrect as naturalistic observation tends to provide rich, qualitative data rather than a large amount of information in a short time. Choice D is incorrect because in naturalistic observation, participants are observed as they naturally behave, which may not always lead to an equal opportunity for all participants to display the behavior of interest.

5. Most cognitive aging research has focused on intellectual ________.

A. stability
B. gains
C. competence
D. deficits

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: deficits.' Most cognitive aging research has indeed focused on deficits rather than stability, gains, or competence. Studies have consistently shown that deficits in processing speed and memory are common in aging individuals, making it a primary area of interest in research. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because cognitive aging research primarily aims to understand and address deficits associated with aging rather than focusing on stability, gains, or overall competence.