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. Max, age 65, learned to play the piano at a local senior center. Max demonstrates that __________.

A. aging is an eventual 'shipwreck'
B. learning follows a predictable timetable
C. development is plastic at all ages
D. musical talent peaks in late adulthood

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Max, age 65, learning to play the piano at a local senior center demonstrates that development is plastic at all ages. This means that individuals have the potential to learn and grow regardless of their age, showing that it is never too late to acquire new skills and experiences. Choice A is incorrect because it presents a negative view of aging, which is not supported by Max's actions. Choice B is incorrect as it implies that learning is restricted to certain age periods, which is contradicted by Max's experience. Choice D is incorrect because Max's learning of the piano at 65 suggests that musical talent can be developed at any age, not necessarily peaking in late adulthood.

3. Katie wonders when she will first be able to hear her fetus's heartbeat through a stethoscope. You tell her that this should happen by the __________.

A. fourth week of pregnancy
B. third month of pregnancy
C. end of the second trimester
D. beginning of the third trimester

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the third month of pregnancy (choice B). During the third month of pregnancy, which is around 9-12 weeks, a fetal heartbeat can typically be heard using a stethoscope. This is an exciting milestone for expectant parents as it provides reassurance about the baby's well-being. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because by the fourth week of pregnancy, the fetal heartbeat is not usually detectable with a stethoscope. The end of the second trimester and the beginning of the third trimester are too late in the pregnancy timeline for this milestone.

4. The lifespan perspective on human development assumes that development is __________.

A. static and stable
B. multidimensional and multidirectional
C. continuous, rather than discontinuous
D. largely the result of heredity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The lifespan perspective on human development assumes that development is multidimensional and multidirectional. This means that development occurs in various domains (such as physical, cognitive, and psychosocial) and can involve gains and losses as individuals age. This perspective recognizes that human development is complex and dynamic, involving various factors and pathways over the course of a person's life. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because human development is not static and stable (A), can involve both continuous and discontinuous changes (C), and is influenced by a combination of heredity and environment rather than solely by heredity (D).

5. Which statement about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is true?

A. About 30 percent of all new HIV infections affect women.
B. In South Africa, 30 percent of all pregnant women are HIV-positive.
C. About 30 percent of new HIV infections occur in developing countries.
D. Untreated HIV-infected mothers pass the virus to the fetus 30 percent of the time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'In South Africa, 30 percent of all pregnant women are HIV-positive.' This statement is true as South Africa has a high prevalence of HIV among pregnant women, emphasizing the need for interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is inaccurate as women account for more than 50% of new HIV infections globally. Choice C is misleading as the majority of new HIV infections actually occur in sub-Saharan Africa, not just developing countries. Choice D is also incorrect as without treatment, the risk of mother-to-child transmission is higher than 30%.