In an investigation of over 120,000 New York City births, babies born even 1 to 2 weeks early __________ than children who experienced a full-length prenatal period.
- A. showed lower reading and math scores at a third-grade follow-up
- B. were less likely to suffer from childhood obesity
- C. were less likely to suffer from neurological impairments
- D. showed higher language and social/emotional scores in early childhood
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the investigation of over 120,000 New York City births, babies born even 1 to 2 weeks early showed lower reading and math scores at a third-grade follow-up compared to children who experienced a full-length prenatal period. This suggests that being born slightly premature can have an impact on cognitive development, leading to educational challenges later on. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the study specifically highlighted lower reading and math scores, not a reduced likelihood of suffering from childhood obesity or neurological impairments, or improved language and social/emotional scores in early childhood.
You may also like to solve these questions
Why do young infants usually cry?
- A. because they are bored
- B. in shrill, piercing tones
- C. because of physical needs
- D. all night long
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Young infants usually cry because of physical needs such as hunger, discomfort, or needing to be changed. It is their way of communicating these needs to their caregivers as they are unable to do so in any other way. Choice A is incorrect because infants cry primarily to communicate physical needs, not because they are bored. Choice B is incorrect because the tone of the cry is not the reason why infants cry. Choice D is incorrect because infants cry for various physical needs, not necessarily all night long.
Which statement about prenatal marijuana exposure is true?
- A. It is linked to impulsivity and overactivity.
- B. Lasting consequences are well-established.
- C. Studies show no negative effects of exposure.
- D. It is linked to an array of physical malformations.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'It is linked to impulsivity and overactivity.' Prenatal marijuana exposure has been associated with impulsivity and overactivity in children based on research findings. However, lasting consequences of prenatal marijuana exposure are not as well-established compared to other teratogens. Choice B is incorrect because lasting consequences are not firmly established. Choice C is incorrect because studies have shown negative effects of prenatal marijuana exposure. Choice D is incorrect as prenatal marijuana exposure is not primarily linked to physical malformations.
According to __________ theory, children learn primarily through modeling.
- A. reinforcement
- B. operant conditioning
- C. social learning
- D. classical conditioning
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to social learning theory, children primarily learn through modeling, observation, and imitation of others. This theory emphasizes the importance of cognitive processes in learning, as opposed to only focusing on direct reinforcement or punishment. Social learning theory was developed by psychologist Albert Bandura and is a key theory in the field of child development. Choice A, reinforcement, is incorrect as it refers to the process of strengthening a behavior through rewards or punishments. Choice B, operant conditioning, is also incorrect as it is a learning process that involves reinforcement and punishment to shape behavior. Choice D, classical conditioning, is not the correct answer as it involves learning through association between stimuli.
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.
One criticism of the information-processing approach is that it __________.
- A. underestimates the individual's contribution to his or her own development
- B. ignores transformation in adulthood, concluding that no major cognitive changes occur after adolescence
- C. underestimates the competencies of infants and preschoolers, focusing on older children and adolescents
- D. is better at analyzing thinking into its components than at putting them back together into a comprehensive theory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The criticism that the information-processing approach ignores transformation in adulthood, concluding that no major cognitive changes occur after adolescence, suggests a limitation of the theory in not fully acknowledging that cognitive development continues throughout the lifespan. This criticism highlights a potential drawback of the approach in terms of its understanding of cognitive changes beyond adolescence. Choice A is incorrect because the criticism is not about underestimating the individual's contribution. Choice C is also incorrect as the criticism is not related to age-specific competencies. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on a different aspect of the information-processing approach.