theorists who contend that powerful negative events in the first few years cannot be fully overcome by later more positive ones emphasize

ATI RN

Human Growth and Development Final Exam

1. Theorists who contend that powerful negative events in the first few years cannot be fully overcome by later, more positive ones emphasize __________.

A. plasticity
B. stability
C. nurture
D. discontinuity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Theorists who emphasize stability argue that powerful negative events early in life cannot be completely overcome by later, more positive experiences. They believe that early experiences have a lasting impact on development and are not easily erased or reversed by subsequent events. This perspective contrasts with the idea of plasticity, which suggests that development can be influenced by experiences at any point in life, and that individuals have the capacity for change and growth throughout the lifespan. 'Nurture' does not directly address the concept of overcoming negative events, while 'discontinuity' refers to developmental stages being separate and distinct, not the idea that negative events early in life persist despite later positive experiences.

2. Lily weighed 8 pounds and was 21 inches long at birth. She was __________ than the average baby.

A. heavier but shorter
B. heavier and longer
C. lighter but longer
D. lighter and shorter

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lily weighed 8 pounds and was 21 inches long at birth. Being both heavier and longer than average babies typically are at birth, Lily would be considered heavier and longer compared to the average baby. This makes choice B, 'heavier and longer,' the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Lily was not shorter or lighter than the average baby at birth.

3. Who is generally regarded as the founder of the child study movement?

A. Arnold Gesell was among the first to write child-rearing books for parents
B. Arnold Gesell is generally regarded as the founder of the child study movement
C. Arnold Gesell foreshadowed lifespan research by writing a book on aging
D. Arnold Gesell constructed the first successful intelligence test

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Arnold Gesell is generally regarded as the founder of the child study movement, emphasizing the importance of observing and documenting children's behaviors to understand their development. While he was a significant figure in child development research, he did not specifically write child-rearing books for parents, foreshadow lifespan research, or construct the first successful intelligence test. Choice A is incorrect as Gesell's focus was more on research rather than writing child-rearing books. Choice C is incorrect as Gesell's main contributions were in child development, not specifically in aging research. Choice D is incorrect as Gesell is not credited with constructing the first successful intelligence test.

4. A major strength of the information-processing approach to development is its commitment to __________.

A. the study of imagination
B. flexible case study interviews
C. rigorous research methods
D. disproving other developmental theories

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The major strength of the information-processing approach to development is its commitment to rigorous research methods. This approach emphasizes systematic observation, measurement, and experimentation to study cognitive development in individuals. By using rigorous research methods, researchers can gather reliable and valid data to better understand how information is processed in the human mind. This commitment to methodological rigor enhances the credibility and validity of the conclusions drawn within the information-processing approach to development. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the information-processing approach focuses on empirical research methods rather than the study of imagination, case study interviews, or disproving other developmental theories.

5. Ecological systems theory views the person as __________.

A. a blossoming flower whose development is a genetically determined series of events that unfold automatically
B. developing within a complex system of relationships affected by multiple levels of the surrounding environment
C. a social being influenced primarily by observational learning or adult modeling
D. a computer-like system that actively codes, transforms, and organizes information

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ecological systems theory views the person as developing within a complex system of relationships affected by multiple levels of the surrounding environment. This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals with their social and physical environment, recognizing that development is influenced by various factors interacting at different levels of the ecological system. Choice A is incorrect because it describes a genetically determined development process, which is not the focus of ecological systems theory. Choice C is incorrect because it highlights observational learning as the primary influence on development, neglecting the broader environmental factors. Choice D is incorrect as it compares the person to a computer system, which does not align with the principles of ecological systems theory.