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. Baby Gabriella claps her hands after her mother does. Gabriella is displaying __________.

A. reinforcement
B. classical conditioning
C. observational learning
D. adaptation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Observational learning is when an individual learns by watching others and mimicking their actions or behaviors. In this scenario, Baby Gabriella claps her hands after her mother does, indicating she is learning through observing her mother's behavior and imitating it. The other choices are incorrect: Reinforcement typically involves a consequence that strengthens a behavior, classical conditioning is a type of learning where an association is made between two stimuli, and adaptation refers to the process of adjusting to new conditions.

3. Liz is 36 weeks pregnant. A rise in her baby's heart rate is probably followed within five seconds by __________.

A. a burst of motor activity
B. a period of sleep
C. a rise in Liz's heart rate
D. a drop in Liz's body temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A rise in the baby's heart rate during pregnancy is usually followed within five seconds by a burst of motor activity. This indicates that the baby is responding to stimuli and is an important sign of healthy fetal development. A period of sleep, a rise in Liz's heart rate, or a drop in Liz's body temperature are not typically immediate responses to changes in the baby's heart rate. Sleep is less likely to be a direct response to changes in heart rate, Liz's heart rate is independent of the baby's heart rate changes, and a drop in Liz's body temperature is not a common immediate response to fetal heart rate changes.

4. Charles Darwin's theory of evolution emphasized and .

A. the normative approach; survival of the fittest
B. noble savages; physical maturation
C. tabula rasa; natural selection
D. natural selection; survival of the fittest

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Charles Darwin's theory of evolution emphasized natural selection and survival of the fittest. Natural selection is the process by which organisms with traits that help them survive and reproduce in their environment are more likely to pass on these traits to their offspring. Survival of the fittest refers to the idea that the organisms best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the gradual evolution of species over time. Both concepts are central to Darwin's theory of evolution. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the key principles highlighted by Darwin in his theory of evolution.

5. 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.