a major strength of the longitudinal design is that researchers can

ATI RN

Human Growth and Development Final Exam

1. What is a major strength of the longitudinal design?

A. Examine relationships between early and later behaviors
B. Collect a large amount of data in a short time span
C. Explore similarities among children of different cohorts
D. Study participants differing in age at the same point in time

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A major strength of the longitudinal design is that researchers can examine relationships between early and later behaviors. This design allows researchers to observe and track changes in the same participants over an extended period of time, providing valuable insights into developmental trajectories and how behaviors are connected across different stages of life. Choice B is incorrect because longitudinal studies track changes over time, not necessarily collect a large amount of data in a short time span. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to cross-sectional studies rather than longitudinal studies. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a cross-sectional design where participants of different ages are studied at the same time.

2. Although Justin spent his first 18 months in an orphanage, his adoptive mother believes that sensitive caregiving will help Justin overcome his early experiences. Justin's mother emphasizes the role of __________ in development.

A. nurture
B. stages
C. stability
D. nature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, nurture. Nurture refers to the environmental influences that shape behavior and development. In this scenario, Justin's adoptive mother believes that providing sensitive caregiving will override the negative effects of his early experiences in the orphanage, highlighting the importance of nurture in promoting healthy development. Choice B, stages, is incorrect as it refers to the sequence of developmental milestones individuals pass through. Choice C, stability, is incorrect as it pertains to the consistency of behavior or development over time. Choice D, nature, is incorrect as it relates to genetic and biological factors influencing development, which is not the focus of Justin's mother's beliefs.

3. Ecological systems theory views the person as __________.

A. a blossoming flower whose development is a genetically determined series of events that unfold automatically
B. developing within a complex system of relationships affected by multiple levels of the surrounding environment
C. a social being influenced primarily by observational learning or adult modeling
D. a computer-like system that actively codes, transforms, and organizes information

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ecological systems theory views the person as developing within a complex system of relationships affected by multiple levels of the surrounding environment. This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals with their social and physical environment, recognizing that development is influenced by various factors interacting at different levels of the ecological system. Choice A is incorrect because it describes a genetically determined development process, which is not the focus of ecological systems theory. Choice C is incorrect because it highlights observational learning as the primary influence on development, neglecting the broader environmental factors. Choice D is incorrect as it compares the person to a computer system, which does not align with the principles of ecological systems theory.

4. According to Erikson, when parents are over- or undercontrolling, the outcome is a child who __________.

A. feels forced and shamed
B. acts competently on his own
C. asserts his independence
D. feels self-confident

Correct answer: A

Rationale: According to Erikson, when parents are over- or undercontrolling, the outcome is a child who feels forced and shamed. This is because overly controlling parents can make the child feel inadequate, leading to a sense of shame and doubt. Choice B, 'acts competently on his own,' is incorrect because overcontrolling parents hinder the child's ability to act independently. Choice C, 'asserts his independence,' is incorrect because overcontrolling parents can actually suppress the child's independence. Choice D, 'feels self-confident,' is incorrect because overcontrolling parenting can undermine the child's confidence and lead to feelings of inadequacy.

5. The embryonic disk __________.

A. becomes the new organism
B. is the outer ring of cells on a blastocyst
C. has a good chance of survival outside the womb
D. is a protective membrane that surrounds the amnion Answer: A Page Ref: 77 Skill Level: Understand Topic: Prenatal Development Difficulty Level: Moderate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The embryonic disk becomes the new organism. It is a cluster of cells within the blastocyst that will develop into the fetus during the early stages of prenatal development. This cluster of cells is responsible for giving rise to all the tissues and organs of the developing organism.