Question 1

Psychologists generally resolve the nature-nurture debate by agreeing that

Accepted Answer

Psychologists recognize that both heredity (nature) and environment (nurture) play significant, inseparable roles in human development, interacting in complex ways to shape individual characteristics and behaviors.

Question 2

Defects that are caused by inherited characteristics are known as

Accepted Answer

Genetic disorders are caused by inherited characteristics, meaning they are passed down from parents to offspring through genes.

Question 3

Sickle-cell anemia, hemophilia, muscular dystrophy, and cystic fibrosis are considered

Accepted Answer

These conditions are all caused by genetic mutations or abnormalities, making them genetic disorders.

Question 4

Identical twins are less alike as adults than they were as children, which demonstrates the influence of

Accepted Answer

The differences that emerge between identical twins as they grow older can be attributed to the influence of different environmental experiences rather than genetic factors, since identical twins share the same genetic makeup.

Question 5

Developmental psychologists are interested in changes in behavior that occur from

Accepted Answer

Developmental psychologists study changes in behavior and mental processes from conception to death, encompassing the entire lifespan.

Question 6

Development begins at conception, when a father's sperm cell fertilizes a mother's egg cell (ovum). The resulting combination of genes from the two parents constitutes the child's genetic heritage, or

Accepted Answer

The combination of genes from both parents that constitutes a child's genetic heritage is referred to as the genome. This includes all of the DNA, both coding and non-coding sequences.

Question 7

Even when they are reared apart, identical twins are strikingly alike in motor skills, physical development, and appearance, which demonstrates the powerful influence of

Accepted Answer

Identical twins share the same genetic makeup, so their similarities in motor skills, physical development, and appearance, even when reared apart, highlight the significant role of heredity in determining these traits.

Question 8

Genetic disorders include which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

All the conditions listed, including albinism, hemophilia, and some types of intellectual disability, are examples of genetic disorders. These conditions are caused by mutations in a person's DNA and can be inherited from one or both parents.

Question 9

The resulting combination of genes from the two parents will determine many of the child's physical and psychological characteristics and is referred to as the child's

Accepted Answer

The combination of genes from two parents that determines a child's characteristics is referred to as the child's genome. This encompasses all of the DNA, including all the genes, that an individual inherits from their parents.

Question 10

When psychologists attribute development to nature, they are referring to the effects of

Accepted Answer

Nature refers to the biological and genetic influences on human development, which includes heredity and genetics.

Question 11

Dianne is a psychologist who is interested in the progressive changes that people show in their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social abilities from conception to death. Dianne is most likely a __________ psychologist.

Accepted Answer

Dianne's interest in the progressive changes in physical, cognitive, emotional, and social abilities from conception to death aligns with the field of developmental psychology, which studies how and why human beings change over the course of their life.

Question 12

Learning to dance or to use a computer is primarily a matter of

Accepted Answer

Learning skills such as dancing or using a computer are influenced by environmental factors and experiences, which falls under the category of nurture.

Question 13

The importance of heredity stems from the fact that it

Accepted Answer

Heredity is crucial because it establishes the boundaries of an organism's development by offering a set of potential capabilities and limitations. This genetic framework influences how an individual can grow and adapt within the context of environmental factors.

Question 14

Conception occurs when the

Accepted Answer

Conception, or fertilization, occurs when the egg and sperm unite, combining their genetic material to form a new cell that will develop into an embryo.

Question 15

Achieving sexual maturity is mostly governed by

Accepted Answer

Achieving sexual maturity is primarily governed by biological and genetic factors, which fall under the category of "nature." Environmental and social factors (nurture) can influence the timing to some extent, but the biological processes are largely predetermined.

Question 16

The uniting of the egg and sperm is referred to as

Accepted Answer

Conception is the correct term for the uniting of the egg and sperm, marking the beginning of pregnancy.

Question 17

According to the text, what conclusion can be drawn in the nature-nurture debate?

Accepted Answer

The correct conclusion is that it is the interaction between heredity and environment that is important in determining who we become. This reflects the understanding that both genetic factors (heredity) and external factors (environment) play crucial roles in shaping an individual's development and characteristics.

Question 18

Developmental psychology is the study of

Accepted Answer

Developmental psychology focuses on the changes in behavior and abilities throughout the entire lifespan, from conception to death, encompassing physical, cognitive, and social changes.

Question 19

The study of changes in behavior from conception to death encompasses the field known as

Accepted Answer

Developmental psychology is the branch of psychology that studies the psychological growth of individuals, encompassing changes from conception to death.

Question 20

The long, ladder-like chains of chemical molecules that act as a code for genetic information are known as

Accepted Answer

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses.

Quiz 3: Human Development