one criticism of the information processing approach is that it

ATI RN

Human Growth and Development Final Exam

1. 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.

2. According to Erikson, the major personality attainment of adolescence is __________.

A. trust
B. identity
C. autonomy
D. intimacy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the major personality attainment of adolescence is identity. During adolescence, individuals go through a stage called 'Identity vs. Role Confusion,' where they explore different roles and develop a sense of self. Trust (choice A) is associated with the first stage of Erikson's theory, autonomy (choice C) is linked to the toddler stage, and intimacy (choice D) is a key aspect of the young adulthood stage.

3. Despite growing up in a rundown neighborhood, having divorced parents, and rarely seeing her father, Betty is a successful, happy, and healthy adult. Betty's ability to adapt effectively in the face of threats to development is known as __________.

A. assimilation
B. resilience
C. age-graded development
D. multidimensional development

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Betty's ability to adapt effectively despite facing challenges during her childhood such as growing up in a rundown neighborhood, having divorced parents, and rarely seeing her father demonstrates resilience. Resilience refers to the capacity to achieve positive outcomes despite adverse circumstances. Betty's successful, happy, and healthy adulthood showcases her resilience in navigating and overcoming the threats to her development. Choice A, assimilation, does not fit the context of adapting effectively to adverse circumstances. Assimilation is a cognitive process related to incorporating new information into existing schemas. Choice C, age-graded development, refers to typical developmental changes that occur in a culture at a particular age. Choice D, multidimensional development, encompasses the idea that development is influenced by multiple factors across various dimensions, which is not directly related to Betty's ability to adapt effectively despite facing challenges.

4. Under ethical standards, when is deception permitted in research studies?

A. if the participants are young enough that they would not understand the deception
B. if investigators satisfy institutional review boards that such practices are necessary
C. if researchers can observe participants from behind one-way mirrors
D. if the participants give informed consent and the researchers never reveal the real purpose of the study

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ethical standards permit deception in research studies if investigators satisfy institutional review boards that such practices are necessary. Institutional review boards are responsible for ensuring that research studies comply with ethical guidelines and protect the welfare of study participants. Deception should only be used when necessary, and the board's approval indicates that safeguards are in place to minimize harm to participants. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because ethical deception in research studies is not based on the age of participants, observing from behind mirrors, or obtaining informed consent without revealing the study's real purpose.

5. Like longitudinal research, cross-sectional studies can be threatened by __________.

A. practice effects
B. participant dropout
C. sequential timing
D. cohort effects

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cross-sectional studies can be threatened by cohort effects because different age groups may have experienced different historical or social contexts, influencing the results. This disparity can lead to invalid comparisons between age groups, confounding the study's findings. Option A, practice effects, refer to changes in participants' behavior due to repeated testing, not a specific threat to cross-sectional studies. Participant dropout (Option B) is a threat related to attrition in longitudinal studies, not cross-sectional studies. Sequential timing (Option C) does not pose a threat to cross-sectional studies; instead, it refers to the order of tasks in a study design.