Human Growth and Development

Answer Keys and Rationale Note: Although the questions in this study guide may not match the exact exam format, they will help you prepare and assess your understanding. Also, as diagnostic criteria are continuously updated, the questions here only reflect current information available at the time of writing. Thus, these are not a substitute for professional diagnosis. For updates and concerns, consult a healthcare professional or the latest health manual. Chapter Review Questions Rationale Building on the rationale behind key chapter review questions, we now turn to the fundamental theoretical perspectives that shape our understanding of human development. These theories provide essential frameworks for interpreting behavior, cognition, and social interactions across the lifespan. Chapter 1: Theoretical Perspectives 1.​ C: Assimilation refers to the process of understanding new information by using pre-existing cognitive structures or schemas. For example, a child may categorize a crow as a bird by applying their understanding of similar creatures. In Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, assimilation works in balance with accommodation, which is the adjustment of cognitive structures to incorporate new information. Over-assimilation, however, may limit the development of more complex understanding. 2.​ B: Evolutionary psychology examines human behavior through the lens of historical adaptation , though its interpretations remain debated in academic circles. This approach, rooted in Darwin’s theory of evolution, suggests that many human behaviors have adaptive significance. Evolutionary psychologists also study other species to gain insights into human behavior. Evolutionary psychology is one of several frameworks for understanding human behavior. Not all psychologists subscribe to this view, and interpretations may vary. 3.​ C: Albert Bandura’s theory of social learning highlights that behavior is shaped not only by classical and operant conditioning but also through imitation and observational learning . Bandura proposed that observing a model being positively reinforced encourages the observer to imitate that behavior. The role of imitation in learning may be understood differently across various psychological perspectives. 4.​ B: Freud’s concept of fixation suggests that when individuals experience too much frustration or anxiety while transitioning between developmental stages, their development may become stalled, leading to fixation on that stage. For example, an overly dependent child may struggle to move toward independence due to early developmental challenges. Freud’s theories are foundational in psychology, but they have been challenged and revised over time. Some modern perspectives offer alternative views of personality development.

© 2025 ACHIEVE ULTIMATE CREDIT-BY-EXAM GUIDE | HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT