1.
A newborn's brain:
Correct Answer
D. Develops very rapidly from birth to 6 months of age.
Explanation
A newborn's brain undergoes a rapid development process from birth to 6 months of age. During this period, there is significant growth and organization of brain cells, as well as the formation of neural connections. This rapid development is crucial for the child's early learning and cognitive abilities. After 6 months, the brain continues to develop but at a slower pace until the onset of puberty.
2.
The last area of an infant’s brain to mature is the__________. This area is vital for __________.
Correct Answer
B. Frontal lobes; higher-order thinking
Explanation
The frontal lobes are the last area of an infant's brain to mature. These lobes are responsible for higher-order thinking skills, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and impulse control. As the frontal lobes develop, infants gain the ability to think critically, plan ahead, and regulate their behavior. This maturation process continues throughout childhood and adolescence, allowing individuals to further refine their cognitive abilities and make more complex decisions.
3.
During adolescence, overall brain growth __________and the brain undergoes a process of __________ a large number of synaptic connections.
Correct Answer
D. Slows; pruning
Explanation
During adolescence, overall brain growth slows and the brain undergoes a process of pruning a large number of synaptic connections. This means that the brain is eliminating unnecessary or unused connections to make the neural network more efficient. As a result, the brain becomes more specialized and streamlined, allowing for more efficient information processing. This process of pruning helps to refine and optimize the brain's functioning during adolescence.
4.
The adolescent brain undergoes a number of biological changes. This is most evident in the __________, responsible for planning and decision making, and the __________, involved in emotional responses.
Correct Answer
D. Prefrontal cortex; amygdala
Explanation
During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant biological changes. One of the areas that is most affected is the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning and decision making. This explains why adolescents often struggle with impulse control and making rational choices. Additionally, the amygdala, which is part of the limbic system, is also highly active during this time. The amygdala is involved in emotional responses, which may explain why teenagers often experience intense emotions and mood swings.
5.
Most people reach their peak physical and perceptual functioning around __________ and a decline in these abilities usually becomes more noticeable around __________.
Correct Answer
D. Mid-20s; early 40s
Explanation
As individuals age, there is a general pattern of peak physical and perceptual functioning occurring in their mid-20s. During this time, individuals typically have high levels of physical fitness and sharp cognitive abilities. However, as individuals enter their early 40s, a decline in these abilities becomes more noticeable. This decline can manifest as reduced physical stamina, slower reaction times, and decreased sensory acuity. It is important to note that this pattern may vary among individuals, as factors such as lifestyle, genetics, and overall health can influence the timing and extent of these changes.
6.
Each lifespan stage is given only an approximate age group. Why is each lifespan stage not clearly defined by age?
7.
Who experiences a decrease in the production of a sex hormone during middle age?
Correct Answer
C. Both men and women
Explanation
During middle age, both men and women experience a decrease in the production of sex hormones. In men, the production of testosterone decreases gradually, leading to symptoms such as reduced libido, fatigue, and mood changes. Women also experience a decline in estrogen and progesterone production during menopause, resulting in various physical and emotional changes, including hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Therefore, both genders go through hormonal changes during middle age, leading to a decrease in the production of sex hormones.
8.
Changes in thinking, language, memories and problem-solving abilities throughout the lifespan are known as
Correct Answer
A. Cognitive development
Explanation
Cognitive development refers to the changes in an individual's thinking, language, memories, and problem-solving abilities that occur throughout their lifespan. This process involves the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and skills, as well as the development of cognitive processes such as attention, perception, memory, and reasoning. It is a crucial aspect of human development as it affects how individuals perceive, understand, and interact with the world around them.
9.
The brain is about ________ of its adult weight by the age of two years.
Correct Answer
C. 75 per cent
Explanation
By the age of two years, the brain is approximately 75% of its adult weight. This indicates that the brain experiences rapid growth and development during the early years of life.
10.
At what stage are children likely to develop a strong sense of gender roles that exist in their culture?
Correct Answer
A. Preschool childhood
Explanation
Preschool childhood is the stage at which children are likely to develop a strong sense of gender roles that exist in their culture. During this period, children begin to understand and internalize societal expectations and norms surrounding gender. They observe and imitate the behaviors and attitudes of adults and peers, which contribute to the formation of their own gender identity. Preschoolers also start to engage in gender-typed play and show preferences for toys, activities, and clothing associated with their perceived gender. Therefore, it is during preschool childhood that children are most susceptible to developing a strong sense of gender roles.
11.
During old age, memory loss
Correct Answer
D. Can occur but is not inevitable
Explanation
Memory loss during old age can occur, but it is not inevitable for everyone. While it is common for many individuals to experience some degree of memory decline as they age, not everyone will experience dramatic memory loss. Some individuals may maintain their memory well into old age, while others may only experience mild memory difficulties. Therefore, it is important to recognize that while memory loss can occur during old age, it is not a guaranteed outcome for everyone.
12.
Changes through the lifespan, in terms of the ability to create memories, use language, think and problem-solve, are known as:
Correct Answer
B. Cognitive development
Explanation
Cognitive development refers to the changes that occur in an individual's ability to think, reason, problem-solve, and use language throughout their lifespan. This includes the development of memory, attention, perception, and other cognitive processes. It is a crucial aspect of human development as it affects how individuals learn, understand, and interact with the world around them.
13.
Why should adolescence be viewed separately from puberty?
14.
Gemma is a 35-year-old female. She is worried about growing old and wants to delay the biological ageing process. What type of lifestyle and life skills should she possess in order to age successfully?
15.
In which stage of the lifespan is each of the following events most likely to occur?peak expertise of a specialised skill, profession and/or hobby
16.
In which stage of the lifespan is each of the following events most likely to occur?peak physical fitness
17.
In which stage of the lifespan is each of the following events most likely to occur?adjustment to new roles such as parenthood
18.
In which stage of the lifespan is each of the following events most likely to occur?more stable friendship groups, mainly of the same sex
19.
In which stage of the lifespan is each of the following events most likely to occur?more sophisticated pretend play
20.
In which stage of the lifespan is each of the following events most likely to occur?smiling for the first time
21.
In which stage of the lifespan is each of the following events most likely to occur?clear preference for being right- or left-handed
22.
In which stage of the lifespan is each of the following events most likely to occur?puberty
23.
In which stage of the lifespan is each of the following events most likely to occur?wisdom
24.
In which stage of the lifespan is each of the following events most likely to occur?walking