the effects of stress on the developing organism can be greatly reduced if the expectant mother

ATI RN

Human Growth and Development Final Exam

1. The effects of stress on the developing organism can be greatly reduced if the expectant mother __________.

A. has access to social support during stressful periods
B. takes a low dose of anti-anxiety medication
C. takes a folic acid supplement early in pregnancy
D. is placed on bed rest during the last trimester

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Having access to social support during stressful periods can greatly reduce the effects of stress on the developing organism. Social support can provide emotional comfort, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging, which can help the expectant mother cope with stress more effectively. This support system can also help mitigate the negative impact of stress on the developing baby during pregnancy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while folic acid is important for prenatal health, it does not directly address the effects of stress. Taking anti-anxiety medication should be done under medical supervision and as a last resort due to potential risks to the developing baby. Bed rest during the last trimester is not a solution to reduce the effects of stress and may not address the underlying causes of stress.

2. What is the goal of applied behavior analysis?

A. outline changes in temperament over the lifespan
B. eliminate undesirable behaviors and increase desirable responses
C. examine how we think about ourselves and other people
D. synthesize information from various sources into a detailed picture of a person's personality

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "eliminate undesirable behaviors and increase desirable responses." Applied behavior analysis aims to modify behavior by focusing on eliminating unwanted behaviors and reinforcing desirable ones. It does not primarily deal with changes in temperament (choice A), self-perception (choice C), or personality traits (choice D). The approach involves techniques such as reinforcement to target specific behaviors, rather than broader cognitive processes or personality characteristics.

3. One criticism of Freud's psychosexual theory was that it __________.

A. did not apply to other cultures
B. underemphasized the influence of sexual feelings
C. compared human development to the evolution of the human species
D. offered too narrow a view of important environmental influences

Correct answer: A

Rationale: One criticism of Freud's psychosexual theory was that it did not apply to other cultures. Freud developed his theory based on observations and cases from his clinical practice in a specific cultural context, mainly Western society. This limited cultural scope raised concerns about the generalizability and applicability of his theories to diverse cultural settings. Choice B is incorrect because Freud's theory actually emphasized the significant influence of sexual feelings on human development. Choice C is incorrect because Freud's theory focused on stages of psychosexual development rather than comparing human development to the evolution of the human species. Choice D is incorrect because Freud's psychosexual theory considered environmental influences, although it primarily centered on internal drives and conflicts.

4. In developing countries, the most readily available intervention for promoting the recovery of preterm babies is _________.

A. hospitalization
B. care in an isolette
C. lying on a waterbed
D. skin-to-skin 'kangaroo care'

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In developing countries, the most readily available intervention for promoting the recovery of preterm babies is skin-to-skin 'kangaroo care.' This involves direct skin-to-skin contact between the baby and a caregiver, typically the mother, which helps regulate the baby's body temperature, improve bonding, and support overall development. Kangaroo care can be easily implemented even in resource-limited settings and has been shown to have positive effects on preterm infants' health outcomes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because hospitalization, care in an isolette, and lying on a waterbed are not specifically tailored interventions that address the unique needs of preterm babies in developing countries like kangaroo care does.

5. In field experiments, researchers __________.

A. selectively assign participants to treatment conditions in natural settings
B. cannot use random assignment or manipulate treatment conditions
C. randomly assign participants to treatment conditions in natural settings
D. have stronger control over the treatment than in the laboratory

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In field experiments, researchers randomly assign participants to treatment conditions in natural settings. This method allows for a higher level of control over potential confounding variables compared to non-random assignment. Random assignment helps ensure that the groups being compared are comparable at the beginning of the study, which strengthens the internal validity of the research findings. Choice A is incorrect because selective assignment may introduce bias. Choice B is incorrect as researchers can use random assignment in field experiments. Choice D is incorrect because field experiments typically have less control over the treatment compared to laboratory experiments.