Dr. Dias's research shows that the death of a spouse in old age is correlated with a decline in the surviving partner's physical health. Which conclusion is supported by this study?
- A. The death of a spouse causes a decline in the surviving partner's physical health.
- B. The death of a spouse is related to a decline in the surviving partner's physical health.
- C. A decline in a surviving partner's physical health can cause the death of a spouse.
- D. A third variable, such as memory loss, causes a surviving partner's decline in physical health following the death of a spouse.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dr. Dias's research findings indicate a correlation between the death of a spouse and a decline in the surviving partner's physical health. This correlation suggests a relationship between the two variables, but it does not necessarily imply a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Therefore, the correct conclusion supported by this study is option B - 'The death of a spouse is related to a decline in the surviving partner's physical health.' Option A is too direct in its causation claim, which is not proven by correlation alone. Option C reverses the cause and effect relationship suggested by the research. Option D introduces an unrelated third variable, which is not supported by the study's findings.
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Although great diversity characterizes the interests and concerns of investigators who study development, they share a single goal: to identify __________.
- A. genetic factors that contribute to longevity
- B. environmental factors that contribute to disease and illness
- C. those factors that lead to abnormal development in children and adolescents
- D. those factors that influence consistencies and transformations in people from conception to death
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because investigators who study development aim to identify the factors that influence consistencies and transformations in people from conception to death. This goal encompasses various domains such as physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, highlighting the comprehensive nature of developmental research. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the overarching goal of developmental researchers, which is to understand the factors influencing individuals throughout their lifespan, rather than focusing solely on genetic factors, environmental factors related to disease, or abnormal development in specific age groups.
Babies who spend more time alert are likely to have __________.
- A. parents who feel incompetent
- B. a slight advantage in mental development
- C. a big disadvantage in social development
- D. parents who must exert great effort to soothe them
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Babies who spend more time alert are likely to have a slight advantage in mental development. Being alert allows babies to engage with their surroundings, explore, and learn, which can contribute to their cognitive development. This is different from social development, which is more related to interactions with others, and not necessarily impacted by the amount of alertness a baby displays. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because there is no direct correlation between a baby's alertness and their parents' feelings of incompetence, a big disadvantage in social development, or the effort parents need to soothe them.
Men with even tiny amounts of dioxin in their bloodstream father __________.
- A. nearly twice as many girls as boys
- B. nearly three times as many boys as girls
- C. more twins and triplets than unaffected men
- D. fewer children than unaffected men
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Men with even tiny amounts of dioxin in their bloodstream father nearly twice as many girls as boys. This is due to the impact of dioxin exposure on sperm cells, leading to a skewed ratio of female to male offspring. Choice B is incorrect as the question specifically mentions that men father more girls than boys. Choice C is incorrect as dioxin exposure does not necessarily lead to more twins and triplets. Choice D is incorrect as men with dioxin in their bloodstream father more girls, not fewer children overall.
__________ increases tenfold from the twentieth week until birth.
- A. Amniotic fluid
- B. Brain weight
- C. Fetal length
- D. Neuron production
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.
Like longitudinal research, cross-sectional studies can be threatened by __________.
- A. practice effects
- B. participant dropout
- C. sequential timing
- D. cohort effects
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cross-sectional studies can be threatened by cohort effects because different age groups may have experienced different historical or social contexts, influencing the results. This disparity can lead to invalid comparisons between age groups, confounding the study's findings. Option A, practice effects, refer to changes in participants' behavior due to repeated testing, not a specific threat to cross-sectional studies. Participant dropout (Option B) is a threat related to attrition in longitudinal studies, not cross-sectional studies. Sequential timing (Option C) does not pose a threat to cross-sectional studies; instead, it refers to the order of tasks in a study design.