ATI RN
Human Growth and Development Exam Questions
1. Dr. Torrez believes that how conflicts between biological drives and social expectations are resolved determines the person's ability to learn, to get along with others, and to cope with anxiety. Dr. Torrez accepts the __________.
- A. psychoanalytic perspective
- B. psychosocial theory
- C. cognitive-developmental theory
- D. social learning theory
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Dr. Torrez's belief about conflicts between biological drives and social expectations influencing a person's ability to learn, get along with others, and cope with anxiety aligns with the psychoanalytic perspective. This perspective, developed by Sigmund Freud, focuses on the unconscious mind, early childhood experiences, and the resolution of inner conflicts as important factors in shaping personality and behavior. The other choices are incorrect because psychosocial theory, cognitive-developmental theory, and social learning theory do not specifically focus on conflicts between biological drives and social expectations as central to understanding human behavior and development.
2. In a correlational design, researchers __________.
- A. gather information on individuals without altering their experiences
- B. divide events and behaviors of interest into two types: dependent and independent variables
- C. use an evenhanded procedure to assign people to two or more treatment conditions
- D. directly control or manipulate changes in the independent variable
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a correlational design, researchers gather information on individuals without altering their experiences. Correlational studies examine the relationship between two or more variables without any manipulation or control by the researchers. The researchers simply observe and measure the variables of interest without intervening in any way. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they describe aspects related to experimental designs rather than correlational designs. In an experimental design, researchers manipulate variables, assign participants to different treatment conditions, and control changes in the independent variable, which is not the case in correlational studies.
3. Dr. Dias's research shows that the death of a spouse in old age is correlated with a decline in the surviving partner's physical health. Which conclusion is supported by this study?
- A. The death of a spouse causes a decline in the surviving partner's physical health.
- B. The death of a spouse is related to a decline in the surviving partner's physical health.
- C. A decline in a surviving partner's physical health can cause the death of a spouse.
- D. A third variable, such as memory loss, causes a surviving partner's decline in physical health following the death of a spouse.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Dr. Dias's research findings indicate a correlation between the death of a spouse and a decline in the surviving partner's physical health. This correlation suggests a relationship between the two variables, but it does not necessarily imply a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Therefore, the correct conclusion supported by this study is option B - 'The death of a spouse is related to a decline in the surviving partner's physical health.' Option A is too direct in its causation claim, which is not proven by correlation alone. Option C reverses the cause and effect relationship suggested by the research. Option D introduces an unrelated third variable, which is not supported by the study's findings.
4. Which major theory of human development emphasizes plasticity at all ages?
- A. psychoanalytic perspective
- B. ethology
- C. evolutionary developmental psychology
- D. lifespan perspective
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, the lifespan perspective. This perspective underscores the idea that individuals have the capacity for growth and change at any age, highlighting plasticity throughout the lifespan. It acknowledges the continuous development and adaptability of individuals to various experiences and factors. Choice A, the psychoanalytic perspective, focuses more on unconscious processes and early childhood experiences. Choice B, ethology, emphasizes the study of animal behavior in natural environments. Choice C, evolutionary developmental psychology, examines how evolutionary principles influence human development but does not specifically focus on plasticity at all ages.
5. Evolutionary developmental psychology __________.
- A. focuses on how the structures of the mind develop to better fit with, or represent, the external world
- B. seeks to understand the adaptive value of species-wide competencies as those competencies change with age
- C. views the human mind as a symbol-manipulating system through which information flows
- D. brings together researchers from many fields to study changes in the brain and behavior patterns
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Evolutionary developmental psychology seeks to understand the adaptive value of species-wide competencies as those competencies change with age. This field focuses on how psychological traits and behaviors have evolved to enhance survival and reproduction over time. It emphasizes the interaction between evolutionary principles and developmental processes to provide insights into human behavior and cognition. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the primary focus of evolutionary developmental psychology. Choice A is more aligned with cognitive psychology, choice C relates to cognitive science, and choice D could pertain to multidisciplinary approaches but not specifically to evolutionary developmental psychology.
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