Deck 5: Physical Development

Question 1

As children grow older, many of their neurons begin to transmit messages more rapidly than they did previously, thanks to:

A) synaptic pruning
B) synaptogenesis
C) myelination
D) a rapid reduction in glial cells

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Three-month-old Mary Jo can hold her head up when in the arms of an adult, but she doesn't yet have much control of what her legs do. Which one of the following best describes Mary Jo's progression in muscular control?

A) It shows a definite delay in fine motor skills.
B) It shows a cephalocaudal trend, which is typical.
C) It shows a proximodistal trend, which is not typical.
D) It suggests that Mary Jo will probably be a good student but a poor athlete.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

The shift from generalized possibilities to specialized functioning over the course of development is known as:

A) Myelination
B) Integration
C) Maturation
D) Differentiation

Answer 3

D

Question 4

As she runs a race, Aggie's heart starts beating faster to help her body keep up with its increasing need for oxygen. Aggie can largely thank her _______ for this change.

A) forebrain
B) midbrain
C) hindbrain
D) hippocampus

Question 5

The process of fingers becoming more adept at handling small objects is an example of:

A) Integration
B) Maturation
C) Myelination
D) Differentiation

Question 6

Imagine that you are the parent of a newborn baby boy. A pediatrician tells you, "About half of the neurons that your son produced in the early weeks after conception have died off." From this information, you should conclude that your son:

A) Will need to be on a respirator for the first few weeks, possibly longer
B) May have difficulty learning to read and write
C) Will have trouble with muscular coordination and will probably need intensive physical therapy
D) Is normal

Question 7

Dylan recently experienced a traumatic brain injury. One of the most notable consequences of the injury is a sharp decline in Dylan's ability to communicate. Whereas Dylan was previously eloquent in his speaking and writing, he now struggles to make himself understood. From this information, you surmise that the part of Dylan's brain that was injured was:

A) the cortex
B) the medulla
C) the hindbrain
D) the cerebellum

Question 8

As Charlie reads his science textbook, he encounters the word ecology for the first time and uses the context to figure out what the word means. Given what we know about how the brain functions, we could reasonably assume that:

A) He is thinking primarily in his right hemisphere.
B) Many parts of his brain are involved in this task.
C) Most of his mental "work" is done in his midbrain.
D) Most of his mental "work" is done in the occipital lobes, at the back of his brain.

Question 9

Physical development is characterized by both differentiation and integration. Which statement best describes the functioning of these two processes in physical development?

A) There is a period of differentiation followed by a period of integration.
B) There is a period of integration followed by a period of differentiation.
C) Differentiation and integration occur simultaneously and interactively.
D) Their relative importance varies depending on the physical system in question.

Question 10

The principle Children's bodies are dynamic systems means that:

A) Development in one component of the body may affect development in another component.
B) Children's growth reflects a continuing pattern of speeding up, slowing down, speeding up, slowing down again, and so on.
C) Development proceeds in a top-down fashion, from the head to the feet.
D) Development proceeds in an in-out fashion, beginning with the head and torso and proceeding to the arms and legs and then to the fingers and toes.

Question 11

Three of the following statements accurately describe the typical physical development of children in the elementary grades. Which one is not accurate?

A) Girls mature more quickly than boys.
B) Children become more clumsy in their gross motor skills.
C) Children become increasingly proficient in fine motor skills.
D) Children become increasingly sensitive about their physical appearance.

Question 12

In the human brain, a great deal of synaptic pruning occurs in the first few years of development. This pruning appears to be:

A) An adaptive process that allows children to deal more efficiently with their environment
B) Due to an imbalance of important nutrients, and especially to low levels of the B vitamins in many children's diets
C) Reflective of the fact that the cortex is slowly taking over responsibility for functions that have previously been controlled by other parts of the brain
D) The unfortunate result of insufficiently stimulating home and school environments

Question 13

At age 3, Michelle could scribble, her crayon tightly grasped in her fist. By age 4 she could color neatly in the lines of her coloring book. By age 5 she could better control a pencil and write her name legibly. This progression most clearly illustrates:

A) integration
B) differentiation
C) synaptogenesis
D) an executive function

Question 14

Seventeen-year-old Jonathan has suddenly started "hearing scary voices" in his head, and he worries that someone is "out to get" him. Which one of the following brain abnormalities might we suspect?

A) Neurofibromatosis
B) Schizophrenia
C) Turner syndrome
D) Fetal alcohol syndrome

Question 15

Which one of the following conclusions is most warranted from research on brain development?

A) It is essential that children begin studying basic mathematics and science in the preschool years.
B) Educators and counselors should interpret lack of impulse control in children over six years old as a sign of a significant delay in brain development.
C) The ability to think abstractly depends on the development of many synaptic connections during the first two years of life.
D) Educational experiences can affect students' cognitive development throughout the elementary and secondary school years.

Question 16

Which one of the following best describes how neurons transmit messages to one another?

A) By stimulating the flow of blood in nearby arteries
B) By generating myelin in the synapses
C) By fusing together into a single neuron
D) By sending chemical substances to one another

Question 17

Katie is enraptured by the symphony she is listening to. The interweaving of returning themes and novel elements gives her a sense of both comfort and delight. Given that Katie is right-handed, the _______ is probably the part of her brain that is enabling her to appreciate the music.

A) midbrain
B) hindbrain
C) left hemisphere of her cortex
D) right hemisphere of her cortex

Question 18

Rafael is carefully weighing the many advantages and disadvantages of attending a large state university rather than a small local college. Rafael can largely thank his _______ for the ability to make his decision.

A) forebrain
B) midbrain
C) hindbrain
D) cerebellum

Question 19

Which one of the following is the best example of a gross motor skill?

A) sewing on a button
B) writing a letter to Grandma
C) skipping across the schoolyard
D) cutting out a heart for a Valentine's Day card

Question 20

The coordination between cells and body parts is known as:

A) Differentiation
B) Integration
C) Initial motor activity
D) Mature motor activity

Question 21

Given the factors associated with alcohol and drug use, which one of the following teens is most likely to abuse alcohol and drugs?

A) Jane, who is very self-confident
B) Roxanne, who is the most popular girl in school
C) Lucinda, who is trying to "fit in"
D) Molly, who has been diagnosed as having mental retardation

Question 22

Three of the following are recommended for working with children who have chronic illnesses. Which one may violate recommended practice?

A) Seek parents' advice on how best to accommodate to a child's specific illness.
B) Be on the lookout for environmental conditions that may lead to a flare-up in children's symptoms.
C) Teach children any social skills they may be lacking because of limited prior experiences with peers.
D) When other children ask about a child's illness, answer their questions as completely and honestly as you can.

Question 23

You are watching a group of boys and girls interacting at a school fair. Many of the tallest youngsters are girls. The students you are observing are most likely to be:

A) 5-6 years old
B) 7-8 years old
C) 10-12 years old
D) 14-16 years old

Question 24

Melissa is in third grade. She raises her hand when she wants to answer a question. She takes turns when using classroom materials. She keeps track of her homework assignments and submits her assignments on time. All of these actions she is able to do on her own. Which ability does Melissa demonstrate through these actions?

A) Executive function
B) Self-concept
C) Self-regulation
D) Maturity

Question 25

What is the ability to direct personal actions and emotions?

A) Self-concept
B) Responsibility
C) Self-esteem
D) Self-regulation

Question 26

Which one of the following statements best describes the physical exercise of teenagers in the United States?

A) Most get enough exercise in the course of a typical day to support good health.
B) Most probably get more exercise than their growing bodies can easily tolerate.
C) Most get little exercise, yet they maintain their health because adolescents need little exercise.
D) Most do not get enough exercise to support good health in the course of their daily lives.

Question 27

You have been asked to help develop a drug and alcohol use prevention program at a local high school. Knowing what research says about effective interventions, one essential ingredient of your program should be:

A) A strong focus on enhancing students' self-esteem
B) Instituting a "no tolerance" policy on school grounds
C) Distribution of well-written brochures about the effects of various drugs
D) Use of scare tactics to dramatize the adverse effects of drug and alcohol use

Question 28

Here is a typical school day for Sabrina, who is a tenth grader: Wake up at 6:00 to arrive at school by 7:00 for orchestra practice. Attend classes from 8:00 to 3:00, changing classes every hour. After school, go to choir practice and then to either dance lessons or a part-time job, depending on the day. Fill in any free time before dinner (which is usually around 8:00) watching television or talking on the phone. After dinner, complete several hours of homework and engage in instant-messaging on the Internet with friends. Be in bed by midnight. Is this schedule consistent with good physical health?

A) No, Sabrina should add at least an hour of physical exercise each day.
B) No, Sabrina is not getting enough sleep.
C) Yes, Sabrina's busy schedule assures plenty of exercise, and dinner at home assures good nutrition.
D) Yes, Sabrina is benefiting from the many opportunities available to her and is old enough to cope with the demands of this schedule.

Question 29

Christine is an obese 12-year-old. What is one prediction about her health as an adult that cannot be made?

A) She faces the possibility of developing diabetes.
B) There are no possible serious health risks that she will face in adulthood
C) She may have high cholesterol.
D) She may have high blood pressure.

Question 30

The American Academy of Pediatricians recommends breastfeeding of infants due to its many advantages over other methods. Which of the following is not an advantage of breastfeeding?

A) Breast milk is invariably safer than formula.
B) Breast milk provides antibodies against illnesses.
C) Breast milk is easier for babies to digest than formula.
D) Breast milk is rich in vitamins.

Question 31

After taking a particular illegal drug, Mark feels as if everyone around him is a close friend. "I love you, man!" he tells several complete strangers as he hugs them. But he's getting increasingly dehydrated, and he's ignoring the muscle cramps in his legs. Chances are that Mark has:

A) taken ecstasy
B) taken cocaine
C) "dropped acid" (LSD)
D) sniffed paint thinner or nail polish remover

Question 32

Three of the following are recommended practices for encouraging physical activity and fitness in children. Which one is not consistent with experts' recommendations?

A) Incorporate physical activity into classroom lessons.
B) "Down-size" equipment to match children's body sizes.
C) Enroll infants in swimming lessons before six months of age.
D) Focus children's attention more on self-improvement than on how their performance compares to that of their peers.

Question 33

The timing of puberty seems to be affected in part by environmental causes. For example, puberty occurs early for:

A) Girls in families with higher incomes
B) Both boys and girls who engage in risky behaviors
C) Both boys and girls in families with low income
D) Girls in families with a lot of conflict

Question 34

Other things being equal, which one of the following adolescents is most likely to experience adjustment problems?

A) Wilma, who had her first menstrual period at age 8
B) Betty, for whom breast development began at age 13
C) Fred, who grew five inches at age 14
D) Barney, who began shaving at age 16

Question 35

Six-year-olds Jason and Curtis are rolling around in the dirt in what appears to be a fight, yet they both get up smiling. Curtis then sticks out his tongue at Jason and runs off, and Jason follows him in hot pursuit. Which one of the following alternatives best describes their interaction?

A) hyperactivity
B) rough-and-tumble play
C) insufficiently developed social skills
D) a tendency for aggression unusual in 6-year-olds

Question 36

Steven is a typical 17-year-old American boy. When given a choice, which one of the following is Steven most likely to eat for dinner?

A) Nothing
B) A high-fat, high-sodium, high-sugar meal
C) A meat-and-potatoes dinner with dessert
D) A low-fat meal of vegetables and whole grains

Question 37

Debbie is an honor roll student, accomplished musician, and unusually dedicated runner. She often skips lunch, and she is extremely thin, to the point of looking unhealthy. Yet when she looks in the mirror, she laments that she looks "fat." You might reasonably suspect that Debbie suffers from:

A) perfectionism
B) schizophrenia
C) anorexia nervosa
D) a proximodistal progression

Question 38

Only one of the following statements about sleep is true. Which one?

A) By the time children are 4 or 5 years old they no longer need naps or quiet time in the afternoon.
B) The best way to put babies to sleep is to place them on their stomachs.
C) Nightmares are rare in children of all ages.
D) Lack of sleep can lead to difficulty controlling aggressive impulses.

Question 39

Fourteen-year-old Anna has what is politely referred to as a "healthy appetite," yet she maintains a trim figure with no apparent effort. You notice that Anna often disappears briefly after meals or snacks, but she becomes nervous if others insist on accompanying her to the restroom. Anna is probably suffering from:

A) bulimia
B) schizophrenia
C) anorexia nervosa
D) an undiagnosed brain disorder

Question 40

The school board at East High School has decided to make condoms available to students who request them. Research suggests that this policy will result in:

A) Non-use of the condoms because many teenage girls unconsciously want to get pregnant
B) Non-use of the condoms because most teenagers are very naive about "the birds and the bees"
C) Increased use of condoms among students who are already sexually active
D) Increased use of condoms among students who are already sexually active and an increase in the number of students who become sexually active

Question 41

There are both advantages and disadvantages to elementary school children's participation in organized team sports.
a. Describe at least two advantages and two disadvantages.
b. Recommend reasonable steps that can enhance the advantages and offset the disadvantages.

Question 42

Jeremy's 4^th grade teacher has been noticing that Jeremy has become increasingly short tempered and impatient. Which of the following suggestions for Jeremy's family would be a good idea to suggest first to try to address this emerging situation?

A) Play more.
B) Listen to calming music.
C) Eat a more balanced diet.
D) Get more sleep.

Question 43

Several teachers tell you that they are "teaching to students' right brains" by spending a lot of time on painting, map interpretation, geometry, and other highly visual and spatial activities. Critique their claim using what you have learned about how the human brain functions.

Question 44

Developmental Concepts in Early Childhood: During early childhood, brain development focuses on the strengthening of neurological circuits that are used regularly. For example, the front part of the cortex begins to develop and permits children some rudimentary abilities to control their behavior.

Question 45

Which of the following is not a recommended action for educators who have students with chronic illnesses who may forget to take their medication?

A) Respect their privacy by not mentioning anything about it.
B) Seek family help when their condition worsens.
C) Keep an eye on their symptoms
D) Obtain medical assistance in the case of an emergency.

Question 46

As a teacher, you will probably have one or more students with special physical needs (e.g., chronic illnesses, recent head injuries) in your classroom. List five different strategies that may be useful as you work with such students.
Developmental Trends Table
The table below describes issues related to the physical well-being of youngsters at five different age levels. For each of these issues, the table identifies one or more concepts related to physical development, offers an implication for working with children of that age group, or both. Apply what you've learned about the value of supporting physical development to fill in the empty cells in the table.
Supporting Physical Development

Question 47

Which one of the following statements is not one of the ways that infants and toddlers learn?

A) Teacher-directed academic instruction
B) Interaction with other
C) Spontaneous exploration
D) Playing

Question 48

Implications in Early Adolescence: When adolescents begin to experiment with risky behaviors, remind them of their long-term goals, such as going to college and preparing for particular jobs. Provide information about the serious effects that risky behaviors have had for teenagers. Immediately enforce a no-alcohol policy on school grounds.

Question 49

In recent years, many educators have spoken of the first few years of life as being a critical period for brain development, in large part because much synaptogenesis, synaptic pruning, and myelination occur during this time. They have therefore suggested that infants, toddlers, and young preschoolers should be immersed in many stimulating activities that provide a foundation for reading, writing, arithmetic, and other basic skills. Respond to their line of reasoning by answering the following questions:
a. What roles do synaptogenesis, synaptic pruning, and myelination each play in brain development?
b. Is formal education that begins at age 5 or 6 too late? Justify your response using what you have learned about brain development.

Question 50

Many older children and adolescents eat as if they believe that fat, salt, and sugar are the primary food groups. Identify at least three different problems that can result from eating in such a manner.

Question 51

Implications in Middle Childhood: Suggest to Roy's parents that there are several potential contributors to being obese during childhood. Also advise Roy's parents that although you can do some additional things to encourage Roy's physical activity at school, they can do some things at home as well (e.g., stocking the cupboard with healthful snacks and taking evening family walks).

Question 52

For which of the following is early stimulation necessary for normal development?

A) Reading
B) Music
C) Visual processing
D) Mathematics