a major strength of the clinical interview is that it

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Human Growth and Development Final Exam Answers

1. What is a major strength of the clinical interview?

A. Makes comparing individuals' responses very easy
B. Can provide a large amount of information in a fairly brief period
C. Is directed toward understanding a culture or distinct social group
D. Allows researchers to see the behavior of interest as it occurs in natural settings

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The major strength of the clinical interview is that it can provide a large amount of information in a fairly brief period. This allows researchers to gather detailed data about an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors efficiently. Choice A is incorrect because the clinical interview focuses on gathering information from individuals rather than comparing their responses. Choice C is incorrect as clinical interviews are primarily aimed at understanding individuals rather than cultures or social groups. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a strength of naturalistic observations, not clinical interviews.

2. Babies who spend more time alert are likely to have __________.

A. parents who feel incompetent
B. a slight advantage in mental development
C. a big disadvantage in social development
D. parents who must exert great effort to soothe them

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Babies who spend more time alert are likely to have a slight advantage in mental development. Being alert allows babies to engage with their surroundings, explore, and learn, which can contribute to their cognitive development. This is different from social development, which is more related to interactions with others, and not necessarily impacted by the amount of alertness a baby displays. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because there is no direct correlation between a baby's alertness and their parents' feelings of incompetence, a big disadvantage in social development, or the effort parents need to soothe them.

3. What is the function of the amniotic fluid?

A. Delivers food and oxygen to the developing organism
B. Helps keep the temperature of the prenatal world constant
C. Delivers nutrients and removes waste products
D. Produces blood cells until the organs are mature enough to take over this function

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Helps keep the temperature of the prenatal world constant.' Amniotic fluid helps maintain a stable and warm environment for the developing organism, assisting in regulating the temperature. This fluid also acts as a cushion, protecting the fetus from physical harm. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while amniotic fluid provides protection and support to the developing organism, it does not directly deliver food, oxygen, nutrients, or remove waste products, nor does it produce blood cells as the organs eventually take over this function.

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. According to operant conditioning theory, __________.

A. the frequency of a behavior can be increased through punishment, such as disapproval
B. normal development must be understood in relation to each culture's life situation
C. the id develops as parents insist that children conform to the values of society
D. the frequency of a behavior can be increased by following it with a wide variety of reinforcers

Correct answer: D

Rationale: According to operant conditioning theory, the frequency of a behavior can be increased by following it with a wide variety of reinforcers. In operant conditioning, behaviors are shaped through reinforcement, which can be positive (rewarding) or negative (removal of something unpleasant). By providing reinforcement following a behavior, the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future is increased. This supports the notion that the frequency of a behavior can be increased by using reinforcers in operant conditioning. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because operant conditioning focuses on the relationship between behavior and its consequences through reinforcement (positive or negative) to increase the likelihood of the behavior recurring, rather than punishment, cultural influences, or the development of the id based on societal values.