Question 1

Which of the following best describes the two major physical changes that mark the onset of puberty?

Accepted Answer

Dramatic increases in height, weight, and changes in body fat and muscle content; changes in reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics

Question 2

During the adolescent growth spurt, which statement is most accurate regarding physical development in boys and girls?

Accepted Answer

Boys gain more weight per year than girls, and their muscle fibers become thicker and denser.

Question 3

Which brain system reaches maturity during adolescence, and which system is not fully specialized until adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Reward system matures; self-control system matures later

Question 4

Which of the following is a primary sex characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Development of reproductive organs

Question 5

What is the term for the first spontaneous ejaculation of sperm-containing fluid in boys?

Accepted Answer

Spermarche

Question 6

Which factor is most likely to cause earlier onset of menarche in girls?

Accepted Answer

High levels of stress and better nutrition/healthcare

Question 7

How do early-maturing girls typically differ from their peers in terms of psychological development?

Accepted Answer

They are less self-confident, less popular, and more likely to be depressed.

Question 8

Which nutritional deficiency is most likely to result in listlessness and moodiness in adolescents?

Accepted Answer

Iron

Question 9

Which intervention strategy is most effective for helping obese youths lose weight?

Accepted Answer

Setting and monitoring goals about eating, exercise, and sedentary behavior

Question 10

An adolescent who alternates between binge eating and purging is most likely experiencing which disorder?

Accepted Answer

Bulimia nervosa

Question 11

Which of the following is a contributing factor to both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Heredity and adverse life experiences

Question 12

According to recommendations, how much physical activity should adolescents engage in for optimal health?

Accepted Answer

30 minutes of exercise, at least three times a week at a heart rate of approximately $$140$$ beats/min

Question 13

Which is the most common cause of death among adolescents in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Motor vehicle accidents

Question 14

Why are adolescents more likely than adults to engage in risky behaviors?

Accepted Answer

They overestimate their invulnerability and find the rewards more appealing.

Question 15

Which change in the adolescent brain is most responsible for increased efficiency in information processing?

Accepted Answer

Increased axonal myelination

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the development of working memory and processing speed in adolescence?

Accepted Answer

Adolescents' working memory capacity is about the same as adults, and they process information more efficiently.

Question 17

Which strategy is most likely to help adolescents improve their metacognitive skills?

Accepted Answer

Identifying task-specific strategies and monitoring their implementation

Question 18

According to Kohlberg's theory, which stage involves following rules to maintain social order?

Accepted Answer

Stage 4: follow rules to maintain social order

Question 19

Which criticism has been raised against Kohlberg's theory of moral development?

Accepted Answer

Moral reasoning in other cultures is often not described well by Kohlberg's theory.

Question 20

Which factor is most likely to promote more sophisticated moral reasoning in adolescents?

Accepted Answer

Open discussion of moral dilemmas with others who reason one stage higher

Rites of Passage: Physical and Cognitive Development in Adolescence

Study Guide - Practice Questions