which major theory of human development emphasizes plasticity at all ages
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Human Growth and Development Exam Questions

1. Which major theory of human development emphasizes plasticity at all ages?

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.

2. Despite growing up in a rundown neighborhood, having divorced parents, and rarely seeing her father, Betty is a successful, happy, and healthy adult. Betty's ability to adapt effectively in the face of threats to development is known as __________.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Betty's ability to adapt effectively despite facing challenges during her childhood such as growing up in a rundown neighborhood, having divorced parents, and rarely seeing her father demonstrates resilience. Resilience refers to the capacity to achieve positive outcomes despite adverse circumstances. Betty's successful, happy, and healthy adulthood showcases her resilience in navigating and overcoming the threats to her development. Choice A, assimilation, does not fit the context of adapting effectively to adverse circumstances. Assimilation is a cognitive process related to incorporating new information into existing schemas. Choice C, age-graded development, refers to typical developmental changes that occur in a culture at a particular age. Choice D, multidimensional development, encompasses the idea that development is influenced by multiple factors across various dimensions, which is not directly related to Betty's ability to adapt effectively despite facing challenges.

3. __________ increases tenfold from the twentieth week until birth.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Brain weight increases tenfold from the twentieth week until birth. This rapid growth and development of the brain during the prenatal period is crucial for setting the foundation for future cognitive and neurological functions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because although they also undergo changes during prenatal development, none of them increase tenfold from the twentieth week until birth, unlike brain weight.

4. Ecological systems theory views the person as __________.

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.

5. Who believed that complex mental activities have their origins in social interaction?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Lev Vygotsky. Vygotsky emphasized the role of social interaction and cultural tools in the development of higher cognitive functions. Jean Piaget focused more on individual cognitive development stages, Renée Baillargeon is known for her work in infant cognition and object permanence, and Noam Chomsky is renowned for his theories in linguistics and the study of language.

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