What is a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research?
- A. Age-related changes cannot be examined.
- B. Participants often drop out before the study is over.
- C. Factors affecting individual development cannot be explored.
- D. Practice effects often cause biased findings.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: One major disadvantage of cross-sectional research is that factors affecting individual development cannot be explored thoroughly. Cross-sectional research involves comparing different groups of people at one specific point in time, and does not allow for tracking individual changes over time. This limitation means that the unique influences and trajectories of individual development may be overlooked in cross-sectional studies. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is not a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research as age-related changes can still be compared across different groups in this type of study. Choice B, while a potential issue in any study, is not specific to cross-sectional research. Choice D refers to a different type of bias caused by repeated testing rather than a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research.
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Dr. Langley's work is devoted to understanding constancy and change throughout the lifespan. Dr. Langley's field of study is __________.
- A. genetics
- B. clinical psychology
- C. adolescent development
- D. developmental science
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dr. Langley's work being focused on understanding constancy and change throughout the lifespan aligns with the field of developmental science, which studies how individuals grow and change from birth through old age. This field encompasses the study of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and other aspects of development across the lifespan.
Choice A, genetics, primarily focuses on the study of genes, heredity, and genetic variation, which is not directly related to understanding constancy and change throughout the lifespan. Choice B, clinical psychology, concentrates on the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders rather than the broader study of development across the lifespan. Choice C, adolescent development, is more specific and limited in scope compared to the comprehensive study of development across the entire lifespan, which is the focus of developmental science.
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.
Newborn Mariana, who reacts strongly to unpleasant stimuli, is __________.
- A. probably easy to console
- B. susceptible to colic
- C. likely to spend less time in REM sleep
- D. unlikely to respond to swaddling
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Newborn Mariana, who reacts strongly to unpleasant stimuli, is described as susceptible to colic. Colic is often characterized by excessive crying and fussiness in newborn babies, which can be challenging to console. This description suggests that Mariana's strong reactions to unpleasant stimuli may make her more prone to colic. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the strong reactions to unpleasant stimuli do not imply being easy to console, affect REM sleep, or responsiveness to swaddling.
Recent evidence suggests that paternal alcohol use around the time of conception __________.
- A. can alter gene expression
- B. can cause fetal alcohol syndrome
- C. is linked to blood vessel abnormalities
- D. has no negative effect on the developing organism
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Recent evidence suggests that paternal alcohol use around the time of conception can alter gene expression. This means that paternal alcohol consumption can potentially impact the genes and genetic materials passed on to offspring, affecting their development and health. Choice B is incorrect because fetal alcohol syndrome is typically associated with maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, not paternal alcohol use around conception. Choice C is incorrect as there is no direct link between paternal alcohol use and blood vessel abnormalities. Choice D is incorrect as paternal alcohol use can indeed have negative effects on the developing organism, particularly through altering gene expression.
What is a major strength of the longitudinal design?
- A. Examine relationships between early and later behaviors
- B. Collect a large amount of data in a short time span
- C. Explore similarities among children of different cohorts
- D. Study participants differing in age at the same point in time
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A major strength of the longitudinal design is that researchers can examine relationships between early and later behaviors. This design allows researchers to observe and track changes in the same participants over an extended period of time, providing valuable insights into developmental trajectories and how behaviors are connected across different stages of life. Choice B is incorrect because longitudinal studies track changes over time, not necessarily collect a large amount of data in a short time span. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to cross-sectional studies rather than longitudinal studies. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a cross-sectional design where participants of different ages are studied at the same time.