Human Growth and Development - Revision Exam Questions (Certificate Level, Kenya)

Section A: Basic Concepts (20 Marks)

1. Growth vs. Development

Question: Differentiate between growth and development using TWO examples each from early childhood. (10 marks)

Model Answer: - Growth (Quantitative changes): 1. Increase in height (e.g., child grows 10cm in a year)
2. Weight gain (e.g., baby doubles birth weight by 6 months) (2.5 marks each)

  • Development (Qualitative changes):
    1. Motor skills (e.g., toddler learning to walk)
    2. Language acquisition (e.g., babbling to forming sentences) (2.5 marks each)

2. Principles of Development

Question: Explain THREE principles of development with illustrations from adolescent growth. (10 marks)

Model Answer: 1. Sequential: Puberty follows predictable stages (e.g., breast buds before menstruation) (3 marks)
2. Individual differences: Variations in growth spurts timing (4 marks)
3. Holistic: Physical changes affect emotional development (e.g., acne impacting self-esteem) (3 marks)

Section B: Developmental Stages (30 Marks)

3. Prenatal Development

Question: Outline the THREE prenatal stages and identify ONE critical factor affecting development at each stage. (15 marks)

Model Answer: | Stage | Key Developmental Milestone | Risk Factor | |—————-|—————————–|———————-| | Germinal (0-2w)| Zygote formation | Chromosomal abnormalities (5 marks) | | Embryonic (3-8w)| Organogenesis | Maternal malnutrition (5 marks) | | Fetal (9w-birth)| Body system refinement | Alcohol exposure (5 marks) |

4. Early Childhood Milestones

Question: Create a developmental checklist for a 3-year-old child covering physical, cognitive, and social domains. (15 marks)

Model Answer: - Physical: Runs smoothly; stacks 6 blocks (5 marks)
- Cognitive: Names colors; engages in pretend play (5 marks)
- Social: Takes turns; shows affection to friends (5 marks)

Section C: Theories of Development (25 Marks)

5. Piaget’s Theory

Question: Match these Kenyan classroom scenarios to Piaget’s cognitive stages:
a) Standard 1 pupils understanding “2+2=4” using counters
b) Form 2 students debating climate change solutions
c) Preschoolers believing a tall glass holds more juice (9 marks)

Answers:
a) Concrete operational (3 marks)
b) Formal operational (3 marks)
c) Preoperational (3 marks)

6. Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages

Question: Analyze how Kenyan cultural practices (e.g., circumcision, bride price) relate to Erikson’s identity vs. role confusion stage. (16 marks)

Model Answer:
- Circumcision: Rites of passage solidify ethnic identity (4 marks)
- Bride Price: May cause role confusion in modern vs. traditional expectations (4 marks)
- Education: Western schooling vs. pastoralist duties conflict (4 marks)
- Solution: Culturally-sensitive counseling programs (4 marks)

Section D: Influencing Factors (25 Marks)

7. Nature vs. Nurture

Question: Discuss how BOTH genetics and environment influence:
a) A child’s academic performance
b) Onset of puberty in girls (20 marks)

Model Answer:
a) Academic Performance:
- Nature: Inherited intelligence (3 marks)
- Nurture: Quality of schooling (3 marks)
- Kenyan example: Rural vs. urban school resources (4 marks)

  1. Puberty Timing:
    • Nature: Family history of early menarche (3 marks)
    • Nurture: Nutrition status (e.g., high BMI accelerates puberty) (4 marks)
    • Kenyan data: Urban girls reach puberty earlier than rural peers (3 marks)

8. Environmental Hazards

Question: List THREE common environmental teratogens in Kenya and their prevention measures. (5 marks)

Model Answer:
1. Alcohol: Public awareness campaigns
2. Pesticides: Farmer safety training
3. Lead: Regulating paint manufacturing (1 mark each + 2 marks for prevention)

Section E: Applied Scenarios (20 Marks)

9. Developmental Disorders

Case Study: A 4-year-old in Kakamega isn’t speaking but responds to sounds.

Tasks:
a) Identify TWO possible conditions (6 marks)
b) Suggest THREE intervention strategies (9 marks)
c) Name ONE Kenyan resource for support (5 marks)

Model Answer:
a) Conditions: Hearing impairment, autism spectrum disorder (3 marks each)
b) Strategies:
- Audiological testing
- Speech therapy
- Parent training programs (3 marks each)
c) Resource: Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) (5 marks)

10. Aging Process

Question: Explain TWO physiological and TWO psychological changes in elderly Kenyans with coping strategies. (20 marks)

Model Answer:
Physiological:
1. Reduced mobility → Exercise programs (e.g., geriatric yoga) (5 marks)
2. Sensory decline → Regular health screenings (5 marks)

Psychological:
1. Memory loss → Cognitive games (e.g., crossword clubs) (5 marks)
2. Loneliness → Intergenerational programs (5 marks)