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Carlene Hunnicutt
PSY 462/562
Mid-term Exam
11/10/08


1. In contrast to the mechanistic and organismic metatheories of human development, what are the basic characteristics of the contextual metatheory?

The basic characteristics of the contextual metatheory are that development in each individual can be seen as quantitative and qualitative. People do not develop toward a particular end point, but in many directions. In contrast mechanistic characteristics focus on quantitative differences in the amount of detail that a younger and older adult can recall. Being that the older adult seems to work less efficient, the intervention would be to find ways to bring it up to speed. The organisimic perspective is based more on qualitative development. Meaning individuals react as nature intends and are performing as they should.

2. Explain the term “Secondary Aging”. Give two examples that describe secondary aging.

Secondary Aging is avoidable actions that individuals do that speeds up the deterioration process of a persons life-span. One example is the abuse of drugs and alcohol that damages the physical and mental functions of the body
Another example is the lack of exercise and eating healthy foods that nourish the body.

3. Give the correct order of Bronfenbrenner’s levels of environmental influences. Explain and give an example for each level.

Bronfenbrenner’s levels of environmental influences are as follows:

1. Microsystems – The day to day environment in which a person is a part of. Ex: A stay at home mother goes out and gets a job. How would that have an effect on the family?
2. Mesosystem – The linkage between the day to day environment of an individual and, the community, neighborhood, work, and or school. Ex: How would the death of a spouse affect the performance of an individual?
3. Exosystem – The linkage...