like piagets theory the information processing approach

ATI RN

Human Growth and Development Exam 1

1. Like Piaget's theory, the information-processing approach __________.

A. divides development into stages
B. views development as discontinuous
C. regards people as actively making sense of their own thinking
D. has much to say about nonlinear cognition, such as imagination and creativity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'regards people as actively making sense of their own thinking.' The information-processing approach, similar to Piaget's theory, focuses on how individuals actively process information, encode it, store it, and retrieve it to understand the world around them. Choices A and B are incorrect because the information-processing approach does not necessarily divide development into stages or view development as discontinuous. Choice D is incorrect because the information-processing approach is more concerned with cognitive processes like encoding, storage, and retrieval, rather than nonlinear cognition such as imagination and creativity.

2. What is a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research?

A. Age-related changes cannot be examined.
B. Participants often drop out before the study is over.
C. Factors affecting individual development cannot be explored.
D. Practice effects often cause biased findings.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: One major disadvantage of cross-sectional research is that factors affecting individual development cannot be explored thoroughly. Cross-sectional research involves comparing different groups of people at one specific point in time, and does not allow for tracking individual changes over time. This limitation means that the unique influences and trajectories of individual development may be overlooked in cross-sectional studies. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is not a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research as age-related changes can still be compared across different groups in this type of study. Choice B, while a potential issue in any study, is not specific to cross-sectional research. Choice D refers to a different type of bias caused by repeated testing rather than a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research.

3. Mothers who __________ have fewer birth complications and shorter labors.

A. choose cesarean delivery
B. give birth at home
C. are supported by a trained companion during childbirth
D. are administered epidural analgesia during childbirth

Correct answer: C

Rationale: According to research, mothers who are supported by a trained companion during childbirth have fewer birth complications and shorter labors. This support can reduce stress and anxiety levels, provide comfort and encouragement, and help the mother feel more in control during labor and delivery. Overall, having a trained companion present can contribute to a more positive childbirth experience for the mother. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the research findings that specifically highlight the benefits of having a trained companion during childbirth.

4. Adolescent children of mothers who were home-visited as part of the Nurse-Family Partnership __________ than comparison-group agemates.

A. scored lower in impulsivity and overactivity
B. had lower academic achievement scores
C. showed more aggressive behavior
D. reported less alcohol and drug use

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Adolescent children of mothers who were home-visited as part of the Nurse-Family Partnership reported less alcohol and drug use compared to their comparison-group agemates. This indicates that the program may have a positive impact in reducing risky behaviors among adolescents whose mothers received home visits. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the extract specifically mentions that the children reported less alcohol and drug use, and there is no mention of impulsivity, overactivity, academic achievement scores, or aggressive behavior in this context.

5. A major limitation of systematic observation is that it __________.

A. provides little information on how participants actually behave
B. tells investigators little about the reasoning behind responses and behaviors
C. underestimates the capacities of individuals who have difficulty putting their thoughts into words
D. ignores participants with poor memories, who may have trouble recalling exactly what happened

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A major limitation of systematic observation is that it tells investigators little about the reasoning behind responses and behaviors. Systematic observation focuses more on recording observable behaviors rather than delving into the underlying reasons or thought processes driving those behaviors. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because systematic observation can indeed provide detailed information on how participants actually behave, it doesn't necessarily underestimate the capacities of individuals who struggle with verbal expression, and it doesn't solely ignore participants with poor memories as it can capture behavior in real-time regardless of memory recall.