Deck 3: Human Development

Question 1

Psychologists generally resolve the nature-nurture debate by agreeing that

A)heredity and environment are interacting and inseparable factors in development.
B)heredity is more important because it precedes the effects of experience.
C)environment is more important because its effects are less flexible than those of heredity.
D)environment is more important because most behaviors of interest to psychologists are learned.

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Defects that are caused by inherited characteristics are known as

A)congenital problems.
B)genetic disorders.
C)teratogen defects.
D)endogenomic problems.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Sickle-cell anemia, hemophilia, muscular dystrophy, and cystic fibrosis are considered

A)genetic disorders.
B)congenital problems.
C)teratogens.
D)endomorphic conditions.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Identical twins are less alike as adults than they were as children, which demonstrates the influence of

A)heredity.
B)nature.
C)polygenic factors.
D)the environment.

Question 5

Developmental psychologists are interested in changes in behavior that occur from

A)conception on to death (the womb to the tomb).
B)birth to adolescence (infant to teen).
C)birth to adulthood (child to grown-up).
D)conception to senescence.

Question 6

Development begins at conception, when a father's sperm cell fertilizes a mother's egg cell (ovum). The resulting combination of genes from the two parents constitutes the child's genetic heritage, or

A)genome.
B)pheromone.
C)nurture component.
D)zone of proximal development.

Question 7

Even when they are reared apart, identical twins are strikingly alike in motor skills, physical development, and appearance, which demonstrates the powerful influence of

A)heredity.
B)nurture.
C)senescence.
D)the environment.

Question 8

Genetic disorders include which of the following conditions?

A)albinism
B)hemophilia
C)some types of intellectual disability
D)all of these

Question 9

The resulting combination of genes from the two parents will determine many of the child's physical and psychological characteristics and is referred to as the child's

A)nurture component.
B)pheromone.
C)genome.
D)zone of proximal development.

Question 10

When psychologists attribute development to nature, they are referring to the effects of

A)mother\infant bonding.
B)heredity and genetics.
C)environmental influences.
D)evolutionary selection.

Question 11

Dianne is a psychologist who is interested in the progressive changes that people show in their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social abilities from conception to death. Dianne is most likely a __________ psychologist.

A)social
B)behavioral
C)comparative
D)developmental

Question 12

Learning to dance or to use a computer is primarily a matter of

A)nurture.
B)nature.
C)heredity.
D)maturation.

Question 13

The importance of heredity stems from the fact that it

A)is not subject to environmental influences.
B)determines the overall health of the organism.
C)sets the limits of development by providing a framework of potentials and limitations.
D)is more fragile than the environment and, consequently, can be more changeable.

Question 14

Conception occurs when the

A)egg is released from the ovary.
B)egg and sperm unite.
C)fertilized egg makes its first division.
D)embryo implants into the uterine lining.

Question 15

Achieving sexual maturity is mostly governed by

A)nurture.
B)nature.
C)the environment.
D)schooling.

Question 16

The uniting of the egg and sperm is referred to as

A)development.
B)transformation.
C)conception.
D)developmental sequencing.

Question 17

According to the text, what conclusion can be drawn in the nature-nurture debate?

A)Heredity is the most important because we inherit our potential for development as well as our limitations.
B)Environment is the most important because influences, such as learning, nutrition, disease, and culture affect our ability to develop to our potential.
C)It is the interaction between heredity and environment that is important in determining who we become.
D)Neither heredity nor environment is important; only our own behavior determines who we are.

Question 18

Developmental psychology is the study of

A)the language, personality, and emotions of children and adolescents.
B)the stages of life and the important tasks of each.
C)progressive changes in behavior and abilities from conception to death.
D)the role of maturation in the unfolding of human potential.

Question 19

The study of changes in behavior from conception to death encompasses the field known as

A)gerontology.
B)thanatology.
C)developmental psychology.
D)social psychology.

Question 20

The long, ladder-like chains of chemical molecules that act as a code for genetic information are known as

A)DNA.
B)gametes.
C)ribosomes.
D)neurilemmas.

Question 21

James has one brown-eye gene and one blue-eye gene. His wife Carolyn also has one brown-eye gene and one blue-eye gene. What is the chance that their child could have blue eyes?

A)one chance in two
B)one chance in three
C)one chance in four
D)no chance (zero out of four)

Question 22

Specific areas on a strand of DNA that carry hereditary information are called

A)myelins.
B)genes.
C)neurilemmas.
D)ribosomes.

Question 23

Morgan has albinism, a recessive condition resulting in a lack of skin pigment. If neither of Morgan's parents have albinism, how did Morgan develop this condition?

A)Morgan received a dominant gene for the condition from each parent.
B)Morgan received a recessive gene for the condition from each parent.
C)Morgan received two dominant genes for the condition from one of her parents.
D)Morgan received two recessive genes for the condition from one of her parents.

Question 24

The part of a chromosome that contains instructions that affect a particular process or personal characteristic is called a(n)

A)isotope.
B)gene.
C)soma.
D)autosome.

Question 25

Traits that are determined by many genes working in combination are called __________ characteristics.

A)dominant
B)recessive
C)polymorphic
D)polygenic

Question 26

Within the nucleus of every human cell are 46 thread-like structures that hold the coded instructions of heredity. These 46 structures are called

A)gametes.
B)DNA organic acids.
C)chromosomes.
D)genes.

Question 27

Bruce has a dominant gene for brown eyes and a recessive gene for blue eyes. Bruce's eye color would be

A)green
B)brown
C)blue
D)impossible to predict

Question 28

Within the nucleus of each sperm and each ovum there are __________ chromosomes.

A)23
B)36
C)46
D)60

Question 29

The code for genetic information consists of

A)the sperm and ovum.
B)the presence of neurotransmitters, especially acetylcholine.
C)the order of the molecules making up DNA.
D)molecular ganglia.

Question 30

In the nucleus of every human cell, except for the sperm and ova, are __________ chromosomes.

A)24
B)36
C)46
D)60

Question 31

Which of the following is found in the nucleus of every human cell and contains a record of all the instructions needed to make a human?

A)DNA
B)neuropeptides
C)myelin
D)neurilemma

Question 32

All the genetic information that passes from the two parents to the child is contained within the nucleus of every cell in that child's body in the form of 46

A)genes.
B)zygotes.
C)chromosomes.
D)gametes.

Question 33

Both parents carry one recessive gene for sickle cell anemia, but they do not have sickle cell anemia themselves. What is the chance that their child could have sickle cell anemia?

A)one chance in two
B)one chance in three
C)one chance in four
D)no chance (zero out of four)

Question 34

Which combination could produce a blue-eyed child?

A)The father is brown-eyed, and the mother is blue-eyed.
B)The father is blue-eyed, and the mother is brown-eyed.
C)Both father and mother are brown-eyed.
D)Each of these could produce a blue-eyed child.

Question 35

A major scientific milestone was reached with the completion of the entire sequencing of three billion chemical base pairs of human DNA. This project was known as the __________ Project.

A)Manhattan
B)Nature-Nurture
C)Human Genome
D)Polygenic Mapping

Question 36

The chemical molecules making up DNA are

A)organic acids.
B)organic bases.
C)ribosomes.
D)molecular ganglia.

Question 37

Chromosomes are made up of

A)zygotes.
B)gametes.
C)genes.
D)phenotypes.

Question 38

A gene whose influence will be expressed only when it is paired with a second gene of the same type is known as a __________ gene.

A)recessive
B)dominant
C)polygenic
D)gender-linked

Question 39

A gene whose influence will be expressed each time the gene is present is known as a __________ gene.

A)recessive
B)dominant
C)polygenic
D)sex-linked

Question 40

Which of the following words means "colored body"?

A)gene
B)chromosome
C)zygote
D)gamete

Question 41

The processes within cells that translate the "genetic blueprint" encoded in the genome, step by step, into an actual organism are called __________ processes.

A)epigenetic
B)polygenetic
C)congenital
D)teratogenic

Question 42

Regarding the mechanisms of heredity, which of the following statements is FALSE?

A)Most of our characteristics are controlled by single genes.
B)Heredity determines eye color, skin color, and susceptibility to some diseases.
C)Genes can switch on or off at certain ages or developmental stages.
D)Genetic instructions influence intelligence, personality traits, and sexual orientation.

Question 43

Loud noises can increase the fetus' heart rate and movement, which illustrates that outside conditions can affect the unborn in the __________ environment.

A)teratogen
B)genetic
C)intrauterine
D)endogenomic

Question 44

The physical growth and development of the body, brain, and nervous system is called

A)readiness.
B)maturation.
C)mobility.
D)heredity.

Question 45

A physician who describes an infant as slow to respond and develop because of congenital problems is attributing the cause of the abnormality to the

A)postnatal environment.
B)infant's heredity.
C)mother's heredity.
D)intrauterine environment.

Question 46

Defects that originate during prenatal development in the womb due to environmental conditions are known as

A)congenital problems.
B)genetic disorders.
C)senescence disorders.
D)endogenomic problems.

Question 47

Because of work pressures, Marian experienced a great deal of stress during her pregnancy. Due to this stress, Marian's baby

A)may be a smaller, weaker baby at birth.
B)may develop severe learning disabilities.
C)will have a higher risk of autism.
D)will not have a higher risk of any physical or mental problems.

Question 48

The processes that can intensify or weaken the effects of genes and can even switch genes on or off at certain ages or developmental stages are referred to as __________ processes.

A)polygenetic
B)epigenetic
C)senescence pattern
D)accommodation

Question 49

The sum of all external conditions that affect a person is referred to as

A)nurture.
B)senescence.
C)nature.
D)the human growth sequence.

Question 50

One's skin color is controlled by the expression of many genes working together in combination. Thus, skin color is a __________ characteristic.

A)dominant
B)recessive
C)polygenic
D)sex-linked

Question 51

How many genes have been shown to play a role in determining one's height?

A)only two
B)four
C)approximately 10
D)almost 200

Question 52

Carol is seven years old, and her brother is 10 years old. Carol and her brother are in the developmental stage known as

A)early childhood.
B)middle childhood.
C)pubescence.
D)senescence.

Question 53

In the human growth sequence, an extremely variable period that is characterized by marked physiological and psychological deterioration is known as

A)the neonatal period.
B)the germinal period.
C)pubescence.
D)old age.

Question 54

When John B. Watson made the statement that if he had a dozen infants he could take any one of them at random and train him to be a doctor, merchant, thief, etc., he was referring to the powerful effect of

A)nature.
B)temperament.
C)the human growth sequence.
D)the environment.

Question 55

Maturation is defined as the

A)physical growth and development of the body, brain, and nervous system.
B)organism's ability to adapt to changing conditions.
C)sum of all the external conditions affecting development.
D)transmission of physical and psychological characteristics from parent to offspring.

Question 56

The broad outlines of the sequence of stages of human growth are virtually universal. This fact is evidence of the effect of which of the following on development?

A)heredity
B)temperament
C)environment
D)motor primacy

Question 57

Nature is to heredity as nurture is to

A)environment.
B)genetics.
C)maturation.
D)readiness.

Question 58

In the sequence of developmental stages, the period from a few weeks after birth until the child is walking securely would be known as

A)the fetal period.
B)the neonatal period.
C)infancy.
D)toddlerhood.

Question 59

In human maturation, which of the following is a CORRECT match between the stage and age range?

A)embryonic------first two weeks after conception
B)neonatal---------two to eight weeks after conception
C)fetal-------------eight weeks after conception to birth
D)germinal--------from birth to a few weeks after birth

Question 60

Epigenetic processes within cells translate the "genetic blueprint" encoded in the genome, step by step, into an actual organism called the

A)episome.
B)phenome.
C)congenital self.
D)actualized self.

Question 61

Fetal alcohol syndrome is characterized by

A)low birth weight, a small head, and bodily defects.
B)an increased risk of developing albinism.
C)genetic defects.
D)fluid on the brain and a slight paralysis of the muscles of the extremities.

Question 62

Regarding teratogens, which of the following statements is FALSE?

A)No direct intermixing of blood takes place between a mother and her unborn child.
B)If a mother is addicted to morphine, heroin, or methadone, her baby may be born with an addiction.
C)Children with fetal alcohol syndrome are born with fluid on the brain and an abnormally large head.
D)Children of smoking mothers score lower on tests of language and mental ability.

Question 63

Bobby touches his newborn brother's palm, and his little brother takes hold of Bobby's finger and will not let go. This is known as the __________ reflex.

A)grasping
B)rooting
C)Babinski
D)Moro

Question 64

Which of the following is an adaptive infant reflex that is elicited by pressing an object into the neonate's palm and aids the neonate's survival by helping him or her to avoid falling?

A)Moro reflex
B)rooting reflex
C)Babinski reflex
D)grasping reflex

Question 65

Regarding teratogens and birth defects, which of the following statements is FALSE?

A)Radiation, lead, and pesticides are considered teratogens.
B)Cystic fibrosis, PKU, and hemophilia are considered teratogens.
C)Pregnant women do have direct control over many teratogens.
D)Repeated heavy drinking during pregnancy is the most common cause of birth defects in the United States.

Question 66

A teratogen is

A)another name for a genetic defect.
B)the cause of cystic fibrosis and sickle-cell anemia.
C)any substance capable of causing birth defects.
D)characterized by all of these.

Question 67

Regarding the grasping reflex, which of the following statements is FALSE?

A)The grasping reflex is considered an adaptive infant reflex.
B)The grasping reflex aids survival by helping infants avoid falling.
C)The grasping reflex is elicited for the first time as a baby attempts to stand by holding onto objects.
D)The grasping reflex can be so strong that many infants can hang from a raised bar, like little trapeze artists.

Question 68

Because of the rapid growth of basic structures, the developing fetus is sensitive to a variety of diseases, drugs, and sources of radiation, especially during which part of the pregnancy?

A)first trimester
B)second trimester
C)third trimester
D)neonatal period

Question 69

If a mother smokes heavily during pregnancy, it is more likely that the infant will be born

A)with a cleft palate.
B)premature and underweight.
C)addicted to nicotine.
D)with facial abnormalities.

Question 70

Babies of mothers who smoked heavily during pregnancy do NOT show which of the following characteristics?

A)being overweight
B)having lower scores on tests of language and mental ability
C)being more likely to be miscarried or to die soon after birth
D)receiving significantly less oxygen during prenatal development

Question 71

If an expectant mother is exposed to German measles, the child could be born with a

A)genetic defect.
B)congenital problem.
C)cephalocaudal pattern problem.
D)proximodistal pattern problem.

Question 72

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of fetal alcohol syndrome?

A)increased risk of developing hemophilia
B)small head and facial malformations
C)low birth weight
D)emotional, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities

Question 73

Regarding teratogens, which of the following statements is TRUE?

A)It is impossible for alcohol and drugs to be transmitted from mother to fetus since no direct intermixing of blood takes place between a mother and her unborn child.
B)Although no direct intermixing of blood occurs, some substances, like drugs, do reach the fetus.
C)A fetus may be exposed to drugs, but it cannot become addicted.
D)Pregnant women rarely have any direct control over teratogens.

Question 74

The grasping, rooting, and sucking reflexes of infants are best described as

A)fixed action patterns.
B)instincts.
C)conditioned reflexes.
D)adaptive reflexes.

Question 75

A child is born with low birth weight, a small head, facial malformations, and other bodily defects and has an added risk of developing emotional, behavioral, and mental disabilities. The child most likely has

A)albinism.
B)fetal alcohol syndrome.
C)cystic fibrosis.
D)congenital problems due to the mother's heavy marijuana use.

Question 76

Six-year-old Jacob has a small nonsymmetrical head, a short nose, a flattened area between the eyes, oddly shaped eyes, and a thin upper lip. Many of these facial features will become less noticeable by adolescence. However, Jacob also has intellectual, emotional, and behavioral disabilities. Jacob most likely has

A)rubella.
B)fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
C)cystic fibrosis.
D)albinism.

Question 77

Which of the following is considered a congenital problem or "birth defect"?

A)fetal alcohol syndrome
B)sickle-cell anemia
C)hemophilia
D)muscular dystrophy

Question 78

If an unborn child is exposed to X-rays, PCBs, or drugs taken by the mother, the child could be born with a

A)genetic defect.
B)congenital problem.
C)cephalocaudal pattern problem.
D)proximodistal pattern problem.

Question 79

Substances capable of causing birth defects are known as

A)carcinogens.
B)teratogens.
C)chorions.
D)antigens.

Question 80

Which of the following teratogens tends to greatly reduce oxygen to the fetus, increase the risk of miscarriage, prematurity, and low birth weight with surviving children showing lower scores on language and mental abilities tests?

A)German measles
B)maternal stress
C)exposure to X-rays
D)smoking by the mother