Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

What accounts for the varying growth rates of children?

1. Genetic factors and environmental influences.

2. More consistent nutrition across different regions.

3. A standardized growth trajectory across all children.

4. Parental intervention and educational support.

The correct answer is: Genetic factors and environmental influences.

Variations in growth rates among children can primarily be attributed to a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences. Genetic factors play a crucial role in determining a child's potential height, growth pattern, and overall development. This includes inherited traits from parents that influence growth characteristics, such as height, body composition, and metabolic rate. Environmental influences significantly impact a child's growth as well. Factors such as nutrition, health care access, socioeconomic status, and overall living conditions can greatly affect growth rates. For example, children who receive adequate nutrition, including essential vitamins and minerals, are more likely to achieve their full growth potential. Conversely, children who experience malnutrition or health issues may grow at a slower rate. While consistent nutrition across different regions can contribute to growth, it does not fully account for the variability seen among individual children, as genetic differences still play a significant role. A standardized growth trajectory suggests that all children grow in exactly the same pattern, which is not consistent with observed developmental differences. Parental intervention and educational support can influence a child's development, but they generally act as additional factors that complement the primary influences of genetics and environment rather than being the main determinants of growth rate variability.