DEP 2004 MIDTERM EXAM STUDY DOCUMENT

DEP 2004 MIDTERM EXAM STUDY DOCUMENT Human Development Across the Lifespan Question 1. What is longitudinal research? A. Comparing groups of people of different ages at a single point in time B. Collecting data repeatedly on the same individuals over time C. Studying several groups of people at different ages and following them over the years D. Observing behavior in a natural setting without intervention Correct Answer: B Rationale: Longitudinal research involves collecting data from the same participants repeatedly over an extended period. This allows researchers to track developmental changes and stability within individuals across time. Question 2. What is cross-sectional research? A. Collecting data repeatedly on the same individuals over time B. Studying several groups at different ages and following them over the years C. Groups of people of one age are compared with people of another age but are similar in other characteristics D. An unlearned, involuntary action in response to a stimulus Correct Answer: C Rationale: Cross-sectional research compares different age groups at one point in time. Participants are similar in other characteristics (such as socioeconomic status or education) so that age becomes the primary variable being examined. Question 3. What is cross-sequential research? A. A study that collects data repeatedly on the same individuals B. A study that compares groups of people of one age with people of another age C. A study that involves observing behavior without intervention D. A study of several groups of people at different ages (a cross-sectional approach) and following them over the years (a longitudinal approach) Correct Answer: D Rationale: Cross-sequential research combines both cross-sectional and longitudinal methods. It starts with multiple age groups (cross-sectional) and then follows each group over time (longitudinal), providing a more comprehensive view of developmental changes. Question 4. What are reflexes? A. Learned behaviors that require conscious thought B. An unlearned, involuntary action or movement in response to a stimulus that occurs without conscious thought C. Voluntary movements that are developed through practice D. Cognitive processes that require problem-solving skills Correct Answer: B Rationale: Reflexes are automatic, involuntary responses to specific stimuli. They are innate (unlearned) and do not require conscious thought, making them essential for survival in newborns. Question 5. Which of the following is NOT one of the types of reflexes mentioned? A. Babinski B. Moro C. Rooting D. Grasping Correct Answer: D Rationale: The types of reflexes listed are Babinski, Moro, Rooting, Stepping, and Palmar. Grasping (Palmar) is mentioned, but “grasping” as a standalone term is not the specific named reflex in the list. Question 6. What is the Babinski reflex? A. Baby turns head and mouth toward a stimulus that strokes the cheek B. Back arches, legs and arms fling out and then are brought back to the chest in a hugging motion C. Infant fans or spreads toes in response to stroking the foot; usually disappears at the end of the first year D. A stepping motion made when held upright with feet touching a surface Correct Answer: C Rationale: The Babinski reflex occurs when the sole of the foot is stroked; the big toe bends upward and the other toes fan outward. It typically disappears by the end of the first year as the nervous system matures. Question 7. What is the Moro (startle) reflex? A. Infant fans or spreads toes in response to stroking the foot B. Back arches, legs and arms fling out and then are brought back to the chest in a hugging motion when position suddenly changes, a loud noise occurs, or a bump is felt; lost by 6–7 months C. Baby turns head and mouth toward stimulus that strokes the cheek, chin, or corner of the mouth D. A rhythmic stepping motion when held upright Correct Answer: B Rationale: The Moro reflex is an involuntary startle response. When an infant experiences a sudden change in position, loud sound, or jolt, the arms and legs fling outward and then come back toward the body. It disappears around 6–7 months of age. Question 8. What is the rooting reflex? A. Infant fans or spreads toes in response to stroking the foot B. Back arches, legs and arms fling out and then are brought back to the chest in a hugging motion C. Baby turns head and mouth toward a stimulus that strokes the cheek, chin, or corner of the mouth; facilitates finding the mother’s nipple for sucking D. A stepping motion made when held upright Correct Answer: C Rationale: The rooting reflex helps newborns find food. When the cheek or mouth area is touched, the baby turns toward the touch and opens the mouth, facilitating breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Question 9. What is a sensitive period? A. A time when development is impossible outside that window B. A time when a certain type of development is most likely to happen or happens most easily, although it may still happen later with more difficulty C. A period of rapid physical growth only D. A time when reflexes are first exhibited Correct Answer: B Rationale: A sensitive period is an optimal time window for specific developmental milestones. While development can still occur outside this period, it requires more effort. Early childhood is a sensitive period for language acquisition. Question 10. What is a cohort? A. A group of people who share the same geographical location B. A group of people who have the same occupation C. A group of people born around the same time D. A group of people who share the same socioeconomic status Correct Answer: C Rationale: A cohort refers to a group of individuals who share a common characteristic, typically birth year or era. Cohort effects are important in developmental research because different generations experience unique historical and cultural influences. Question 11. What are the three types of developmental psychology research mentioned? A. Experimental, correlational, and observational B. Longitudinal, cross-sectional, and cross-sequential C. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods D. Naturalistic, structured, and clinical Correct Answer: B Rationale: The three research designs specifically highlighted are longitudinal (following the same individuals over time), cross-sectional (comparing different age groups), and cross-sequential (a combination of both approaches). Question 12. What is the stepping reflex? A. Infant fans or spreads toes in response to stroking the foot B. Back arches, legs and arms fling out and then are brought back to the chest C. Baby turns head and mouth toward a stimulus that strokes the cheek D. A stepping motion made when the infant is held upright with feet touching a surface Correct Answer: D Rationale: The stepping reflex is observed when a newborn is held upright with feet touching a flat surface; the infant will make stepping movements as if walking. This reflex disappears around 2 months and reappears later as voluntary walking. Question 13. What is the palmar reflex? A. A reflex involving the toes fanning outward B. A reflex where the infant grasps an object placed in the palm C. A reflex where the infant turns toward a cheek stroke D. A reflex involving stepping motions Correct Answer: B Rationale: The palmar (grasping) reflex occurs when an object is placed in a newborn’s palm; the infant will automatically grasp it. This reflex is strong at birth and gradually disappears by 3–4 months. PART 2 — NEW QUESTIONS (Questions 14–200) Section A: Research Methods in Developmental Psychology (Questions 14–35) Question 14. Which research method is most effective for studying individual developmental changes over a long period? A. Cross-sectional research B. Longitudinal research C. Sequential research D. Experimental research Correct Answer: B Rationale: Longitudinal research follows the same individuals over time, making it ideal for tracking individual developmental patterns, stability, and change across the lifespan. Question 15. A researcher studies the memory abilities of 5-year-olds, 10-year-olds, and 15-year-olds in one study. What type of research is this? A. Longitudinal B. Cross-sequential C. Cross-sectional D. Case study Correct Answer: C Rationale: The researcher is comparing different age groups at one point in time, which is the defining characteristic of cross-sectional research.