AP Psych 3.1 - 3.6B

Which research method follows the same group of people over time to observe changes?

• Cross-sectional study

• Longitudinal study

• Case study

• Experimental study

Answer explanation

A longitudinal study follows the same group of people over time, allowing researchers to observe changes and developments in that group, making it the correct choice for this question.

Module 3.1: Themes and Methods in Developmental Psychology 3. The nature vs. nurture theme focuses on:

• Whether development is continuous or in stages

• How genes and environment interact to shape development

• Which traits remain stable over time

• How culture affects parenting styles

Answer explanation

The nature vs. nurture theme examines how genes and the environment interact to influence development, making the correct choice about the interplay between genetic and environmental factors.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

An example of a trait that illustrates the stability vs. change theme is:

• A. A baby learning to crawl

• B. Musical talent inherited from parents but strengthened by lessons

• C. Height differences between siblings

• D. Puberty onset

Answer explanation

Choice B illustrates stability vs. change as musical talent can be inherited (stability) but also developed through lessons (change), highlighting the interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental influence.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

In a cross-sectional study, researchers:

• Follow one person over decades

• Compare multiple age groups at the same time

• Conduct a lab experiment

• Use only surveys

Answer explanation

In a cross-sectional study, researchers compare multiple age groups at the same time to analyze differences or trends, rather than following one person over time or conducting lab experiments.

Teratogens are:

• Healthy nutrients that support fetal development

• Environmental agents that can cause harm to the embryo or fetus

• Stages of prenatal development

• Genetic mutations occurring after birth

Answer explanation

Teratogens are environmental agents that can cause harm to the embryo or fetus, leading to developmental issues. This distinguishes them from healthy nutrients and other options listed.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

By the sixth month of pregnancy, a fetus can:

• Walk

• Hear sounds

• Speak

• Crawl

Answer explanation

By the sixth month of pregnancy, a fetus can hear sounds as their auditory system is developing. However, they cannot walk, speak, or crawl at this stage.

Adolescence is defined as:

• Birth to puberty

• Transition from childhood to adulthood, beginning with sexual maturity and ending with independence

• Late adulthood

• Early childhood

Answer explanation

Adolescence is the transition from childhood to adulthood, marked by sexual maturity and culminating in independence. This definition captures the essence of the developmental changes that occur during this critical life stage.

The adolescent brain undergoes selective pruning, which:

• Increases the number of neurons

• Eliminates unused neural connections to increase efficiency

• Decreases all cognitive abilities

• Stops brain development

Answer explanation

The adolescent brain undergoes selective pruning, which eliminates unused neural connections to increase efficiency. This process enhances cognitive function rather than decreasing abilities or halting development.

Early-maturing girls are more likely to experience:

• Increased self-confidence

• Depression and anxiety

• Reduced peer pressure

• Enhanced physical performance

Answer explanation

Early-maturing girls often face societal pressures and body image issues, leading to higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to their peers. This emotional struggle is a significant concern during adolescence.

Physical abilities peak in:

• Early adulthood

• Late adulthood

• Adolescence

• Middle adulthood

Answer explanation

Physical abilities, such as strength and speed, typically peak in early adulthood, around the ages of 20 to 30, before gradually declining in later stages of life.