new evidence suggests that

ATI RN

Growth and Development Exam

1. New evidence suggests that __________.

A. there is very little cultural diversity in human development
B. environmental, but not personal, contexts shape development
C. development occurs in a neat, orderly sequence of stages unaffected by distinct contexts
D. people not only are affected by but also contribute to the contexts in which they develop Answer: D Page Ref: 6 Skill Level: Understand Topic: Basic Issues Difficulty Level: Difficult

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the statement aligns with the concept of reciprocal influences in human development. The new evidence suggests that individuals are not only influenced by the contexts in which they develop but also contribute to shaping those contexts. This idea highlights the dynamic and interactive nature of human development, emphasizing the bidirectional relationship between individuals and their environments.

2. What is the goal of applied behavior analysis?

A. outline changes in temperament over the lifespan
B. eliminate undesirable behaviors and increase desirable responses
C. examine how we think about ourselves and other people
D. synthesize information from various sources into a detailed picture of a person's personality

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "eliminate undesirable behaviors and increase desirable responses." Applied behavior analysis aims to modify behavior by focusing on eliminating unwanted behaviors and reinforcing desirable ones. It does not primarily deal with changes in temperament (choice A), self-perception (choice C), or personality traits (choice D). The approach involves techniques such as reinforcement to target specific behaviors, rather than broader cognitive processes or personality characteristics.

3. A combined Apgar score of __________ indicates that the infant is in good physical condition.

A. less than 3
B. 3 or 4
C. 5 or 6
D. 7 or better

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A combined Apgar score of 7 or better indicates that the infant is in good physical condition. The Apgar score is a quick assessment of a newborn's overall health shortly after birth. It evaluates the baby's heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflexes, and color. A score of 7 or higher indicates that the baby is adjusting well to life outside the womb. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they represent scores that indicate the infant may need medical attention or assistance as they are below the threshold of 7 which signifies good physical condition.

4. School-age children master concrete operational tasks ________.

A. all at once
B. gradually, in a continuum of acquisition
C. much later than Piaget believed
D. after they master abstract thinking

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct answer: School-age children master concrete operational tasks gradually, in a continuum of acquisition. Piaget's theory suggests that children develop cognitive abilities in stages, with concrete operational tasks being acquired gradually as part of this process. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because concrete operational tasks are not typically mastered all at once, much later than Piaget believed, or necessarily after mastering abstract thinking.

5. Theorists who contend that powerful negative events in the first few years cannot be fully overcome by later, more positive ones emphasize __________.

A. plasticity
B. stability
C. nurture
D. discontinuity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Theorists who emphasize stability argue that powerful negative events early in life cannot be completely overcome by later, more positive experiences. They believe that early experiences have a lasting impact on development and are not easily erased or reversed by subsequent events. This perspective contrasts with the idea of plasticity, which suggests that development can be influenced by experiences at any point in life, and that individuals have the capacity for change and growth throughout the lifespan. 'Nurture' does not directly address the concept of overcoming negative events, while 'discontinuity' refers to developmental stages being separate and distinct, not the idea that negative events early in life persist despite later positive experiences.