Q&A Hero

Q: According to life-span developmentalist Paul Baltes, the benefits conferred by evolutionary selection decrease with age. Natural selection has not weeded out many harmful conditions and nonadaptive characteristics that appear among older adults. Why? A. Degeneration aids in the transmission of desirable traits to future generations. B. Natural selection operates primarily on characteristics that are tied to reproductive fitness. C. Human evolution has no effect on previous generations. D.

Q: According to Paul Baltes, the benefits conferred with evolutionary selection _____ with age. A. increase B. stay the same C. decrease D.

Q: The food-scarce environment of our ancestors likely led to humans' propensity to gorge when food is available and to crave high-caloric foodsa trait that might lead to an epidemic of obesity when food is plentiful. This illustrates how: A. socialization influences the development of behavior and cognitive skills in human beings. B. evolved mechanisms are not always adaptive in contemporary society. C. organisms pass on characteristics they had acquired during their lifetime to their offspring. D.

Q: Which of the following statements is true about evolutionary developmental psychology? A. Many evolved psychological mechanisms apply only to a specific aspect of a person's makeup. B. The mind is a general-purpose device that can be applied equally to a vast array of problems. C. All behaviors that were adaptive for our prehistoric ancestors serve us well today. D.

Q: According to evolutionary developmental psychologists, many evolved psychological mechanisms are _____. That is, the mechanisms apply only to a specific aspect of a person's makeup. A. domain-specific B. maladjusted C. non-operational D.

Q: Psychology's newest approach, _____, emphasizes the importance of adaptation, reproduction, and "survival of the fittest" in shaping behavior. A. behavioral psychology B. humanistic psychology C. cognitive psychology D.

Q: Evolution takes place: A. over the course of many generations. B. almost immediately. C. when a species is ready for it. D.

Q: If a baboon learns to eat many different kinds of fruit instead of relying on only one kind for its nutritive needs, we would argue that this behavior promotes its survival. Thus, the behavior is _____. A. adaptive B. aggressive C. dominant D.

Q: _____ introduced the theory of evolution by natural selection in 1859. A. Sigmund Freud B. Charles Darwin C. Stephen Hawking D.

Q: Red-feathered and blue-feathered birds occupy the same environment. The birds with the red feathers are better able to survive and avoid predators. This means that the population of red-feathered birds should increase in future generations. This illustrates the process of _____. A. genetic selection B. natural adaptation C. natural selection D.

Q: Define Gene environment (G E) interaction. Give an example of a study (either your own or one from the book) that could illustrate the interaction between genes and the environment. Gene environment (G E) interaction refers to the interaction of a specific measured variation in the DNA and a specific measured aspect of the environment. In a study, adults who experienced parental loss as young children were more likely to have unresolved attachment issues as adults only when they had the short version of the 5-HTTLPR gene. The long version of the serotonin transporter gene apparently provided some protection and ability to cope better with parental loss.

Q: Define shared and nonshared environmental experience. Provide an example of each and point out how that example exemplifies the concept? Shared environmental experiences are siblings' common experiences, such as their parents' personalities or intellectual orientation, the family's socioeconomic status, and the neighborhood in which they live. Nonshared environmental experiences are a child's unique experiences, both within the family and outside the family, that are not shared with a sibling. Different peer groups, different teachers, and different friends are examples.

Q: Assume that in the case study of the Jim and Jim twins, it was found that their similar development trajectories were a result of similar temperament and interests which caused them to seek out similar environments, which were compatible and stimulating to them. Which heredity-environment correlation is reflected in this scenario? This would reflect the active (niche-picking) genotype-environment correlation that occurs when children seek out environments that they find compatible and stimulating.

Q: What are the three ways that heredity and environment are correlated as described by behavior geneticist Sandra Scarr. Behavior geneticist Sandra Scarr described three ways that heredity and environment are correlated: 1) Passive genotype-environment correlations that occur because biological parents, who are genetically related to the child, provide a rearing environment for the child. 2) Evocative genotype-environment correlations that occur because a child's characteristics elicit certain types of environments. 3) Active (niche-picking) genotype-environment correlations that occur when children seek out environments that they find compatible and stimulating.

Q: Identify and describe the two common studies used by behavior geneticists to investigate the influence of heredity on behavior. To study the influence of heredity on behavior, behavior geneticists often use either twins or adoption situations. In the most common twin study, the behavioral similarity of identical twins (who are genetically identical) is compared with the behavioral similarity of fraternal twins. In an adoption study, investigators seek to discover whether the behavior and psychological characteristics of adopted children are more like those of their adoptive parents, who have provided a home environment, or more like those of their biological parents, who have contributed their heredity. Another form of adoption study compares adoptive and biological siblings.

Q: List three possible causes of infertility in women and in men. What are the two strategies that can be used to overcome infertility? Lack of ovulation, producing abnormal ova, blocked fallopian tubes, and disease preventing implantation of the ova in the uterus, are some of the causes of infertility in women. Sperm lacking motility, low sperm count, and blocked passageways could be causes of infertility in men.

Q: Name and describe three prenatal diagnostic tests. Prenatal diagnostic tests include: 1) Ultrasound sonography where high-frequency sound waves are directed into the pregnant woman's abdomen and the echo from the sounds is transformed into a visual representation of the fetus's inner structures. 2) Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) where a powerful magnet and radio images are used to generate detailed images of the body's organs and structures. 3) Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) where a small sample of the placenta is removed to test for genetic defects and chromosomal abnormalities.

Q: List five gene-linked abnormalities. Cystic fibrosis, diabetes, hemophilia, Huntington's disease, sickle-cell anemia, spina bifida, Tay-Sachs disease, and phenylketonuria (PKU).

Q: List four sex-linked chromosomal abnormalities. Klinefelter syndrome, fragile X syndrome, Turner syndrome, and XYY syndrome are all sex-linked chromosomal abnormalities.

Q: List the fours genetic principles. In your opinion, which do you think is the most serious and why?

Q: Deshawn believes that development is the result of an ongoing, bidirectional interchange between heredity and the environment. He has most likely adopted which theoretical perspective?

Q: Yelena is an outgoing person; therefore, people naturally tend to like her and find her personable. According to Scarr-McCartney, which genotype-environment interaction does this best represent?

Q: Name a prenatal medical procedure in which a sample of amniotic fluid is withdrawn by a syringe and tested for chromosomal or metabolic disorders.

Q: Violet is undergoing a prenatal test where the Doctor takes a small sample of the placenta and then analyzes it to detect genetic defects and chromosomal abnormalities. Name the procedure she is undergoing. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

Q: A chromosomal abnormality is characterized by an extra copy of chromosome 21. A person with this disorder typically has a round face, a flattened skull, an extra fold of skin over the eyelids, a protruding tongue, short limbs, and retardation of motor and mental abilities.What is this disorder called?

Q: Xiomarra is tall with dark curly hair and brown eyes. She is outgoing and friendly. Name these observable characteristics of her genetic makeup.

Q: Palomar is pregnant. During the early stages of her pregnancy, the single zygote splits into two genetically identical replicas. Her doctor tells her she is going to have _____ twins.

Q: Cell division in the eggs and sperms. A cell duplicates its chromosomes and divides twice. This leads to the formation of four cells that contain only half of the genetic material of the parent cell. What is this process called? Meiosis

Q: What are the short segments of DNA that are located on the chromosomes, and which are considered to be the basic units of hereditary information?

Q: What is a complex molecule, with a double helix shape, that contains genetic information?

Q: What is the psychological perspective that emphasizes the importance of adaptation, reproduction, and "survival of the fittest" in shaping human behavior? Evolutionary psychology

Q: What is the behavior that promotes an organism's survival in the natural habitat?

Q: Name the theorist who published On the Origin of Species, in 1859, that outlined his/her theory of natural selection.

Q: _____ is the interaction of a specific measured variation in the DNA and a specific measured aspect of the environment. A. Heredity-environment correlation B. Evocative genotype-environment correlation C. Gene environment (G E) interaction D.

Q: The _____ view states that development is the result of an ongoing, bidirectional interchange between heredity and the environment. A. epigenetic B. biosocial C. sociogenetic D.

Q: Leila and Alexander are siblings. Every Saturday morning, Leila and her grandmother cook breakfast together and then do some errands and shopping together. During that time, Alexander and his grandfather spend some quality "male bonding" time. They like to play miniature golf or do yard work. The interactions that each child has with the grandparent would be known as what type of environmental experience? A. Shared environmental experiences B. Evocative genotype-environment correlations C. Nonshared environmental experiences D.

Q: Behavior geneticist Robert Plomin has found that shared environment: A. is independent of heredity influences. B. accounts for most of the variation in children's personality or interests. C. is responsible for higher incidence of rivalry and aggression between siblings. D.

Q: Parents often interact differently with each sibling, and siblings interact differently with parents. Even these experiences occurring within the family can be part of the _____ of siblings. A. shared environment B. nonshared environment C. shared genes D.

Q: Parents' personalities or intellectual orientation, the family's socioeconomic status, and the neighborhood in which they live are all instances of the _____ of siblings. A. nonshared environmental experiences B. shared genetic traits C. shared environmental experiences D.

Q: Which of the following is an example of a passive genotype-environment correlation? A. Uncooperative, distractible children receive more unpleasant and disciplinary action from parents and teachers. B. Outgoing children tend to seek out social contexts in which to interact with people. C. Parents who have a genetic predisposition to be musically inclined encourage their children to learn how to play a music instrument. D.

Q: According to Sandra Scarr, passive genotype-environment correlations are relatively more common in the lives of: A. infants and young children. B. older children. C. adolescents. D.

Q: Brad is an athletic boy who is on every sport team in school. Stephen loves math and is part of his school's math club. These instances reflect _____ correlations that occur when children seek out environments that they find compatible and stimulating. A. passive genotype-environment B. evocative genotype-environment C. active (niche-picking) genotype-environment D.

Q: Timothy is a quiet 6-year-old who is usually withdrawn in class. As a result, he does not receive much attention from his peers and mostly plays by himself. According to Sandra Scarr, this is an example of a(n) _____. A. passive genotype-environment correlation B. active (niche-picking) genotype-environment correlation C. gene x environment interaction D.

Q: Charlie is a cooperative, attentive child and is a favorite at home and school; and he receives positive, instructive responses from adults. This is indicative of a(n): A. passive genotype-environment correlation. B. evocative genotype-environment correlation. C. influential genotype-environment correlation. D.

Q: _____ correlations occur because a child's genetically influenced characteristics elicit certain types of environments. A. Passive genotype-environment B. Evocative genotype-environment C. Influential genotype-environment D.

Q: Tracy's parents are avid sports fans. Since she was a child, they took her to numerous baseball and football games, and Tracy regularly watched the sports channel with her dad. When she was old enough, her parents made her join the little league team at her school and she performed well. This is an example of a(n): A. evocative genotype-environment correlation. B. active (niche-picking) genotype-environment correlation. C. passive genotype-environment correlation. D.

Q: Rachel loves to read books, and she also encourages her daughter to read by regularly taking her to the local library and buying her lots of books. Rachel's daughter is now an avid reader. This reflects a(n) _____ correlation. A. passive genotype-environment B. evocative genotype-environment C. influential genotype-environment D.

Q: _____ is the field that seeks to discover the influence of heredity and environment on individual differences in human traits and development. A. Behavior influence B. Behavior therapy C. Behavior genetics D.

Q: Which of the following statements is true regarding the differences between outcomes for adopted and nonadopted children? A. Nonadopted children are likely to experience more school-related problems than adopted children. B. Children who are adopted very early in their lives are more likely to have positive outcomes than children adopted later in life. C. Adoptees were no more likely to be using mental health services than their nonadopted counterparts. D.

Q: Shakena is a 38-year-old single woman who works as a pharmaceutical representative. She would like to adopt a child. Recent changes in adoption requirements would mean that: A. she would not be considered as a candidate for adopting a child because she is in a same-sex relationship. B. she would not be considered as a candidate for adopting a child because she is of African-American descent. C. she would be able to adopt a child after she gets married. D.

Q: _____ is the social and legal process by which a parent-child relationship is established between persons unrelated at birth. A. Kinship care B. Rebirthing C. Guardianship D.

Q: Compare and contrast the cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches to research, listing the advantages and disadvantages of both. The cross-sectional approach is a research strategy that simultaneously compares individuals of different ages. Data are usually collected over a short period of time. The longitudinal approach is a research strategy in which the same individuals are studied over a period of time, usually several years or more. In a cross-sectional study, the researcher does not have to wait for the individuals to grow up or become older. However, it gives no information about how individuals change or about the stability of their characteristics and can obscure the increases and decreases of development. Longitudinal studies address these concerns, but are expensive and time consuming and carry the risk of participants dropping out mid-way.

Q: Briefly explain the independent variable and the dependent variable in an experiment. Describe the relationship between them. Experiments include two types of changeable factors, or variables: independent and dependent. An independent variable is a manipulated, influential, experimental factor. It is a potential cause. The label "independent" is used because this variable can be manipulated independently of other factors to determine its effect. An experiment may include one independent variable or several of them. A dependent variable is a factor that can change in an experiment, in response to changes in the independent variable. As researchers manipulate the independent variable, they measure the dependent variable for any resulting effect.

Q: If, as a developmental researcher, one wished to study in-depth the life and mind of Ted Kaczynskithe notorious Unabomberwhich method of data collection would one adopt and why?

Q: Name one advantage and one disadvantage of using surveys as a way to collect data. Surveys can be used to study a wide range of topics and can collect data from a large number of people. Surveys can be conducted in person, over the telephone, or on the Internet. A disadvantage to survey research is that people sometimes respond in ways that they think is socially acceptable rather than saying what they honestly think and believe.

Q: Explain eclectic theoretical orientation. What is the merit in using such an orientation? An eclectic theoretical orientation is one which does not follow any one theoretical approach but rather selects from each theory whatever is considered its best features. In this way, one can view the study of development as it actually existswith different theorists making different assumptions, stressing different empirical problems, and using different strategies to discover information.

Q: List and briefly describe Urie Bronfenbrenner's five environmental systems. Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory identifies five environmental systems: microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem. The microsystem is the setting in which an individual lives. The mesosystem involves relations between microsystems or connections between contexts. The exosystem consists of links between a social setting in which the individual does not have an active role and the individual's immediate environment. The macrosystem involves the culture in which individuals live. The chronosystem consists of the patterning of environmental events and transitions as well as sociohistorical circumstances.

Q: Briefly describe the ethological perspective. Provide an example that involves a critical period to support this perspective's argument. Ethology stresses that behavior is strongly influenced by biology, is tied to evolution, and is characterized by critical or sensitive periods. These are specific time frames during which, according to ethologists, the presence or absence of certain experiences has a long-lasting influence on individuals. Lorenz coined the term "imprinting" to describe the process of the rapid, innate learning that involves attachment to the first moving object seen. In Lorenz's view, imprinting needs to take place at a certain, very early time in the life of the animal, or else it will not take place. This point in time is called a critical period.

Q: List Freud's psychosexual stages and explain how adult personality is determined as a result of these stages. Freud believed that we go through five stages of psychosexual development: oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital. According to Freud, our adult personality is determined by the way we resolve conflicts between sources of pleasure at each stage and the demands of reality.

Q: Define theory and hypothesis. Illustrate your answer with an example.

Q: In addition to chronological age, list and briefly describe the three other ways that "age" has been conceptualized. Biological age is a person's age in terms of biological health and is determined by knowing the functional capacities of a person's vital organs. Psychological age refers to an individual's adaptive capacities compared with others of the same chronological age. Social age refers to connectedness with others and the social roles individuals adopt.

Q: What term describes the method of gathering data by means of observing behaviors in real-world settings, making no effort to manipulate or control the situation?

Q: Riley argues that behavior is strongly influenced by biology; it is tied to evolution, and characterized by critical or sensitive periods. What theoretical orientation does Riley most likely take?

Q: Which theorist developed the theory of operant conditioning?

Q: Xavier believes that we can study scientifically only what can be directly observed and measured. He argues that affective and cognitive explanations are circular. Which theoretical orientation is most akin to his views?

Q: Which theorist proposed eight psychosocial stages of development?

Q: Which theorist proposed that psychosexual development occurred in the following five stages: oral stage, anal stage, phallic stage, latent stage, and genital stage?

Q: Which theories describe development as primarily unconscious (beyond awareness) and heavily colored by emotion?

Q: Identify the term that refers to the developmental issue or debate concerning whether development is influenced by biology or environment.

Q: Which age is determined based on physical health and the functional capacities of a person's vital organs?

Q: Identify the term that refers to the capacity for change.

Q: When researchers use surface labels such as "Blacks", "Hispanics", and "Caucasians", they underrepresent the differences that exist among people within the same racial group. This practice is referred to as: A. ethnic gloss. B. euphemization. C. acculturation. D.

Q: According to APA's guidelines, all participants must know what their research participation will involve and what risks might develop. This guideline addresses which of the following issues? A. Deception B. Debriefing C. Informed consent D.

Q: The longitudinal method of research consists of studying: A. the same individuals over a long period of time. B. individuals of different ages. C. individuals from around the globe. D.

Q: Dr. McLean has designed a study to test the cognitive skills of people in their 30s, 50s, and 70s, where data is collected over the course of a day through a series of tests. What type of research approach is Dr. McLean using? A. Longitudinal B. Cohort C. Latitudinal D.

Q: The cross-sectional approach to developmental research compares: A. various research methodologies. B. various developmental theories. C. individuals of different ages. D.

Q: In an experimental study, the _____ group serves as a baseline against which the effects of the manipulated condition can be compared. A. control B. experimental C. dependent D.

Q: A researcher is interested in the effect of exercise on stamina in elderly patients. The patients are randomly assigned to be in a high-exercise or low-exercise training program for eight weeks. At the end of the program, their stamina is measured by seeing how long they can walk comfortably on a treadmill. In this study, the dependent variable is: A. the number of minutes on the treadmill. B. the exercise program (high versus low). C. the number of elderly patients. D.

Q: A(n) _____ is a carefully regulated procedure in which one or more factors believed to influence the behavior being studied are manipulated while all other factors are held constant. A. case study B. survey C. experiment D.

Q: Which of the following correlations is the strongest? A. -.65 B. +.46 C. +.70 D.