in a correlational design researchers

ATI RN

Human Growth and Development Exam 1

1. 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.

2. Men with even tiny amounts of dioxin in their bloodstream father __________.

A. nearly twice as many girls as boys
B. nearly three times as many boys as girls
C. more twins and triplets than unaffected men
D. fewer children than unaffected men

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Men with even tiny amounts of dioxin in their bloodstream father nearly twice as many girls as boys. This is due to the impact of dioxin exposure on sperm cells, leading to a skewed ratio of female to male offspring. Choice B is incorrect as the question specifically mentions that men father more girls than boys. Choice C is incorrect as dioxin exposure does not necessarily lead to more twins and triplets. Choice D is incorrect as men with dioxin in their bloodstream father more girls, not fewer children overall.

3. By using which method of assignment of participants to treatment conditions, investigators increase the chances that participants' characteristics will be equally distributed across treatment groups?

A. sequential
B. random
C. systematic
D. correlational

Correct answer: B

Rationale: By using random assignment of participants to treatment conditions, investigators increase the chances that participants' characteristics will be equally distributed across treatment groups. Random assignment helps reduce the likelihood of bias in the selection process and ensures that any differences between groups are due to the treatment and not pre-existing group differences. Sequential, systematic, and correlational assignment methods do not provide the same level of assurance in distributing participants' characteristics equally across treatment groups.

4. In an investigation of over 120,000 New York City births, babies born even 1 to 2 weeks early __________ than children who experienced a full-length prenatal period.

A. showed lower reading and math scores at a third-grade follow-up
B. were less likely to suffer from childhood obesity
C. were less likely to suffer from neurological impairments
D. showed higher language and social/emotional scores in early childhood

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the investigation of over 120,000 New York City births, babies born even 1 to 2 weeks early showed lower reading and math scores at a third-grade follow-up compared to children who experienced a full-length prenatal period. This suggests that being born slightly premature can have an impact on cognitive development, leading to educational challenges later on. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the study specifically highlighted lower reading and math scores, not a reduced likelihood of suffering from childhood obesity or neurological impairments, or improved language and social/emotional scores in early childhood.

5. The mother feels a natural urge to squeeze and push with her abdominal muscles during which stage of labor?

A. first
B. second
C. third
D. fourth

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The mother feels a natural urge to squeeze and push with her abdominal muscles during the second stage of labor. This stage occurs after the cervix is fully dilated and ends with the delivery of the baby. Choice A (first) is incorrect as the first stage is mainly characterized by the dilation of the cervix. Choice C (third) is incorrect as the third stage is the delivery of the placenta, and choice D (fourth) is incorrect as the fourth stage is the recovery period after childbirth.