Developmental Psychology (Psyc110) Exam #2 Ch 5-8

A teratogen refers to a substance or condition that can potentially increase the chances of prenatal abnormalities. This means that when a pregnant woman is exposed to a teratogen, it can potentially cause harm to the developing fetus, leading to birth defects or other abnormalities. Teratogens can include a wide range of substances such as drugs, alcohol, certain infections, radiation, and environmental pollutants. It is important for pregnant women to be aware of potential teratogens and take necessary precautions to minimize the risk of harm to their unborn child.

The correct answer is reflexes. Infants' first sensorimotor activities primarily involve reflexes, which are automatic responses to stimuli. These reflexes, such as the sucking reflex or the grasping reflex, are present from birth and do not require any conscious effort or learning. They are essential for the survival and development of the infant in the early stages of life. As the infant grows and develops, they will gradually acquire new adaptations and begin to engage in more complex sensorimotor activities such as anticipation and active experimentation.

The statement that parenting styles have no impact on the baby's expression of traits is false. Parenting styles can greatly influence a child's development and behavior. Different parenting styles, such as authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, or neglectful, can shape a child's personality, social skills, and emotional well-being. The way parents interact with their child, set boundaries, provide support, and communicate can all impact how the child expresses their traits and develops their identity. Thus, parenting styles do have an impact on the baby's expression of traits.

The mother's behavior of witnessing the abuse but saying nothing suggests neglectful behavior. Neglectful parents fail to provide the necessary care, support, and protection for their child's well-being. In this case, the mother's silence enables the abuse to continue, putting Pete at risk and failing to fulfill her role in protecting him from harm. Her inaction indicates a neglectful attitude towards Pete's safety and well-being.

During embryonic development, the neural tube forms from the ectoderm and eventually develops into the brain and spinal cord. It is a crucial structure that gives rise to the central nervous system, which controls various bodily functions and processes information. The other options listed, such as reproductive organs, intestinal tract, and backbone, legs, and arms, develop from different embryonic tissues and are not derived from the neural tube.

"Proximity seeking" and "contact maintaining" behaviors are displays of attachment. These behaviors are commonly observed in individuals who have formed emotional bonds and strong connections with others. Seeking proximity and maintaining contact are ways for individuals to feel secure and connected to their attachment figures. This behavior is often seen in close relationships such as parent-child relationships or romantic partnerships, where individuals seek closeness and maintain physical contact to fulfill their emotional needs and reinforce the bond between them.

A sign of a secure attachment in the Strange Situation is when the child smiles at their mother when she returns to the room. This indicates that the child is happy to see their mother and feels comfortable and secure in her presence. This behavior suggests that the child trusts their mother and has a healthy emotional bond with her.

Child neglect refers to the failure of meeting a child's basic physical, emotional, or educational needs. It involves the neglect of providing proper nutrition, healthcare, shelter, supervision, emotional support, and education to a child. Child neglect can have severe consequences on the child's overall development and well-being, leading to physical and emotional harm. It is a form of child maltreatment but specifically focuses on the failure to meet the child's basic needs, distinguishing it from other forms of abuse such as physical or sexual abuse.

The correct answer is germinal, embryonic, fetal. During the germinal period, which lasts for about two weeks after conception, the zygote undergoes rapid cell division and implants itself in the uterine wall. The embryonic period follows, lasting from week 3 to week 8, during which major organs and body systems begin to form. Finally, the fetal period begins around week 9 and continues until birth, characterized by the growth and development of organs and tissues, as well as the refinement of bodily functions.

Gross motor skills such as riding a tricycle are acquired through a combination of brain maturation and practice. Brain maturation plays a crucial role in the development of motor skills, as it allows the brain to process and coordinate the necessary movements. However, practice is also essential in refining these skills and improving coordination. By repeatedly engaging in activities that require gross motor skills, individuals can strengthen the neural connections in their brain, leading to improved proficiency in tasks such as riding a tricycle. Therefore, both brain maturation and practice are necessary for the acquisition of gross motor skills.

Piaget referred to the infants' initial stage of cognitive development as sensorimotor intelligence. This stage is characterized by the child's exploration and understanding of the world through their senses and motor actions. During this period, infants learn to coordinate their sensory experiences with their physical movements, gradually developing object permanence and the ability to mentally represent objects and events. This stage lays the foundation for further cognitive development in later childhood.

The Apgar is a standardized test used to assess the health and well-being of newborn babies. It evaluates five vital signs to determine the baby's overall condition. These vital signs include heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, color, and reflexes. Heart rate and breathing are important indicators of the baby's cardiovascular and respiratory function. Muscle tone reflects the baby's strength and ability to move. Color refers to the baby's skin tone, which can indicate oxygen levels. Reflexes assess the baby's neurological development and responsiveness. By evaluating these vital signs, healthcare professionals can quickly assess the baby's immediate health and determine if any interventions are needed.

The best policy regarding prescription drugs during pregnancy is to take drugs only if necessary, prescribed by a knowledgeable doctor. This answer is supported by the fact that not all medications are safe during pregnancy, and it is important to consult with a healthcare professional who has knowledge about the potential risks and benefits of specific medications for pregnant women. Taking medications without proper guidance can pose serious risks to both the mother and the developing fetus. Therefore, it is essential to rely on the expertise of a knowledgeable doctor when making decisions about medication use during pregnancy.

The statement "It is not possible to adjust traits to the behavior expected in the environment" is false. Individuals can adapt and adjust their traits to align with the behavior expected in a particular environment. This ability to adapt is a fundamental aspect of human nature and allows individuals to modify their behavior, attitudes, and characteristics to fit the social, cultural, and environmental context they are in. People can learn and develop new traits, skills, and behaviors to better adapt and thrive in different environments.

Eating well-balanced meals with a variety of foods is the best way to ensure adequate nutrition and vitamin intake. This approach ensures that the body receives a wide range of essential nutrients from different food groups, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. By incorporating a variety of foods into meals, individuals can meet their nutritional needs and prevent deficiencies. This approach is preferable to relying solely on supplements or specific food products, as it promotes a more holistic and balanced approach to nutrition.

Compartmentalized brains refer to brains that are divided into different regions or compartments, each responsible for specific functions or skills. This division allows for specialization, meaning that different regions can focus on specific tasks or abilities. Therefore, compartmentalized brains theoretically enable individuals to be more specialized in skills.

During early childhood, children have a natural inclination towards exploring different forms of artistic expression. They often engage in activities like singing, playing musical instruments, creating artwork, and dancing. Music allows children to explore rhythm and melody, while art encourages creativity and self-expression. Dance helps children develop coordination and body awareness. Therefore, all of the options mentioned - music, art, and dance - are types of artistic expression that blossom during early childhood.

Habituation refers to the process of becoming accustomed to an object or event through repeated exposure to it. This means that with repeated exposure, an individual becomes less responsive or interested in the stimulus, as it becomes familiar and predictable. Habituation is a form of learning that allows individuals to conserve their attention and energy by not responding to stimuli that are irrelevant or non-threatening. It is a common phenomenon observed in both humans and animals, and it helps in filtering out unnecessary information from our surroundings.

Females are at risk for breast cancer because the hormone estrogen plays a significant role in the development and growth of breast tissue. Estrogen can stimulate the growth of breast cells, and prolonged exposure to estrogen increases the risk of abnormal cell growth and the development of breast cancer. This is why females, who naturally have higher levels of estrogen compared to males, are more susceptible to breast cancer.

Lateralization refers to the specialization of the functioning of the two halves of the brain. The brain is divided into two hemispheres, the left and the right, and each hemisphere has different functions. Lateralization means that certain cognitive processes or functions are primarily controlled by one hemisphere. For example, language processing is typically localized in the left hemisphere, while spatial awareness and visual processing are more dominant in the right hemisphere. This specialization allows for efficient processing and coordination of different tasks and functions within the brain.

Based on the given information, Jan's mother describes him as being easily disturbed by noise, hard to distract, and extremely fussy. These characteristics suggest that Jan may have difficulty adapting to new situations or people, making him challenging to handle or deal with. Therefore, the New York Longitudinal Study would likely classify him as "difficult."

Affordance refers to the opportunity for perception and interaction that is offered by people, the environment, and objects. It is the quality or property of an object or environment that allows an individual to understand how to use it or interact with it. It is not just about the physical means of interaction, nor is it solely about the process of acclimating to an object through repeated exposure. Affordance encompasses the cognitive ability to perceive and understand the potential actions and interactions that are possible in a given context.

The placenta functions to protect and nourish the developing fetus. It acts as a barrier, preventing harmful substances from reaching the fetus while allowing necessary nutrients and oxygen to pass through. Additionally, the placenta helps in removing waste products from the fetus and produces hormones that support pregnancy.

Fathers are more likely to make their infants laugh more. This could be because fathers often engage in playful and stimulating activities with their infants, such as tickling, making funny faces, or playing games. Fathers may also use a more playful tone of voice or engage in rough and tumble play, which can elicit laughter from infants. Additionally, fathers may have a different approach to caregiving, which can create a different dynamic and interaction style with their infants, leading to more laughter.

This statement is false. Babies' brains are indeed capable of learning how to process speech and language through the ability of sound, including internal sounds. Research has shown that even before birth, babies are able to hear and recognize their mother's voice and other sounds in the environment. This early exposure to sound helps in the development of language skills in infants.

Child abuse refers to any intentional act that causes harm to a child's physical, emotional, or sexual well-being. This can include physical violence, emotional abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse. Child abuse is a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on a child's development and well-being. It is important to recognize and report any signs of child abuse to protect the child and ensure their safety.

Myelination refers to the process of forming a protective sheath around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This sheath, called myelin, acts as an insulator and speeds up the transmission of neural impulses. By providing a faster transmission of signals between neurons, myelination enhances the efficiency of communication within the brain, allowing for quicker and more coordinated responses. Therefore, the given answer, "speeds up the transmission of neural impulses," accurately describes the role of myelination in the brain.

Research indicates that infants reach the stages of Piaget's sensorimotor intelligence earlier than Piaget originally predicted. This means that infants develop their sensorimotor skills at a faster pace than Piaget had initially anticipated.

Pleasure and pain are emotions that are apparent at birth. Newborn babies can experience pleasure when they are comfortable, fed, or soothed, and they can also experience pain when they are hungry, uncomfortable, or in distress. These basic emotions are instinctual and do not require any learning or social interaction. While social smiles, embarrassed crying, and fear of strangers develop later as the baby grows and interacts with the environment, pleasure and pain are present from the beginning.

Mothers are more likely than fathers to play peek-a-boo and patty cake with their children. This is because these activities are often associated with nurturing and bonding with infants and young children. Peek-a-boo helps develop object permanence and social interaction skills, while patty cake promotes motor skills and rhythm. Mothers may engage in these activities more frequently as they are traditionally seen as the primary caregivers and may have more opportunities for interaction with their children. Additionally, mothers may have a natural inclination towards nurturing and engaging in playful activities with their children.

The explanation for the correct answer, False, is that the premise for the film is not accurate. The brain is not solely geared to receive only the spoken word as it develops. In fact, the brain is capable of processing and understanding various forms of communication, including written language, visual cues, and non-verbal signals. This premise oversimplifies the brain's capabilities and ignores the complex nature of human communication and cognition.

The scientific method used by an infant in stage five is trial and error. This means that the infant learns through repeated attempts and experiences, making mistakes and adjusting their behavior based on the outcomes. They are not yet capable of considering the anticipation of results or using theoretical thinking. Behavioral conditioning, which involves learning through rewards and punishments, may also play a role in the infant's learning process, but trial and error is the primary method at this stage.

Synaptogenesis is the process by which new synapses, or connections, are formed between neurons in the brain. This process is crucial for brain development, learning, and memory. It does not refer to the increase in the number of neurons, the length of axons, or the overall number of brain cells, but specifically to the formation of new synaptic connections.

The correct answer is "nature vs. nurture". This film explored the debate surrounding the influence of genetics (nature) versus environmental factors (nurture) on human development. It delved into the question of whether our traits and behaviors are primarily determined by our genes or shaped by our upbringing and experiences. By addressing this "big issue" in developmental psychology, the film provided insights into the complex interplay between nature and nurture in shaping human development.

Accidents are the most common cause of death in children worldwide. This is because children are more vulnerable to accidents due to their curiosity, lack of awareness, and limited motor skills. Accidents can include road traffic accidents, falls, drowning, burns, and poisoning. These incidents often occur due to inadequate supervision, unsafe environments, or lack of safety measures. Preventive measures such as childproofing homes, teaching safety rules, and promoting awareness can help reduce the number of accidents and protect children from harm.

To enhance synchrony with their 6-month-old daughter, Victor and Rosa should imitate her vocal and facial expressions. This means that they should mirror her sounds and mimic her facial expressions, which will help create a stronger bond and connection between them. By imitating their daughter, they are showing her that they are actively engaged and interested in her communication, which can greatly enhance their synchrony and overall relationship.

This scenario demonstrates synchrony, which refers to the coordination and mirroring of behaviors between individuals. Jimmy's smile and his dad's surprised look are examples of synchronized reactions, showing a shared emotional connection and understanding between them.

Africans tend to be the ethnic group from which children tend to be tallest. This can be attributed to a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences. African populations have a higher prevalence of certain genetic variants that are associated with increased height. Additionally, factors such as nutrition and healthcare access also play a role in determining height.

In utero testosterone has been found to have a significant impact on the development of certain traits in females and males. Research suggests that females exposed to higher levels of testosterone in the womb tend to exhibit more interest in people and social interactions after birth. On the other hand, males exposed to higher levels of testosterone in utero tend to show increased interest in objects and how things work. Therefore, it is true that in utero testosterone significantly affects females by increasing their interest in people after birth, while boys become more interested in how things work.

Based on the information given, Dawn is older than Tammi. Typically, as children grow older, they develop stronger attachments to their primary caregivers and may experience more distress when separated from them. Therefore, it is likely that Dawn, being older, will show more distress compared to Tammi when left with a babysitter.

The given statement is incorrect. Oxycodone is not a nurturing hormone produced in a woman's body during pregnancy. Oxycodone is actually a strong opioid pain medication that is used to relieve severe pain. It works by acting on the central nervous system to block pain signals. It is not involved in the nurturing or development of a baby during pregnancy.

Traits can be described as patterns of behavior that have a genetic basis. This means that certain behaviors or characteristics are inherited and passed down from one generation to another through genes. These patterns of behavior are not learned or acquired from the environment, but rather are determined by an individual's genetic makeup. They are not always fixed and can be influenced by various factors, but their foundation lies in the genetic code.

The researchers in the film believed that deaf children meet all the major milestones as their counterparts if given the opportunity to learn sign language. This suggests that the researchers think that the developmental delays observed in deaf children are not inherent to their disability, but rather a result of not being exposed to true language and communication. By providing deaf children with the opportunity to learn sign language, the researchers believe that they can overcome these delays and achieve the same milestones as their hearing peers.

Goodness to fit refers to the ability of parents to create a harmonious environment for their child by aligning their child's temperament with their social, family, and school life. It implies that parents have found a way to ensure that their child's temperament is compatible with their surroundings, leading to a smooth interaction and overall well-being.

Since Greti's little girl is deaf, she would not be able to hear and imitate speech sounds like hearing children. However, she can still babble manually, using her hands and other gestures, at about the same time as normal children babble orally. This is because babbling is a natural stage of language development and is not dependent on hearing. Therefore, it is expected that Greti's little girl would babble manually at a similar age to hearing children.

Tertiary prevention refers to measures taken to prevent further complications or harm after a disease or injury has occurred. Making laws against hit and run drivers can be considered an example of tertiary prevention because it aims to prevent future incidents of hit and run accidents, which can cause severe injuries or even death. By implementing laws and penalties, it is expected that individuals will be deterred from committing such acts, ultimately reducing the occurrence of hit and run incidents and minimizing their negative impact on individuals and society.

In Piaget's terminology, sensorimotor stage two is described as the stage of the first acquired adaptations. This means that during this stage, infants begin to develop new behaviors and actions that allow them to adapt to their environment. They start to learn how to manipulate objects, imitate actions, and use tools to achieve their goals. This stage marks the beginning of intentional and purposeful behavior, as infants actively engage with their surroundings and learn through trial and error.

This scenario suggests that the effects Manuel is experiencing may be due to behavioral teratogens. Behavioral teratogens refer to substances or factors that can affect the development of the fetus and result in behavioral abnormalities or disorders. In this case, the mother's ingestion of illegal drugs during pregnancy could have impacted Manuel's neurological development, leading to the signs of autism that he is displaying.

Full term pregnancies typically last 36 weeks from the date of conception. This is the average length of a pregnancy, and it is considered full term when the baby is fully developed and ready for birth.

The correct answer is "each drug might intensify the effects of the other." This means that both drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes during pregnancy can have an intensified negative impact on the health of the baby. The combination of these two substances can increase the risk of complications and harm to the developing fetus. It is important for Suzanne to understand that the effects of these drugs can be heightened when used together, and therefore it is advisable to avoid both alcohol and smoking during pregnancy.