Free Practice Test: CLEP Human Growth and Development

Although theoretical roots of any discipline run the risk of being a snooze fest, it is essential for the test taker to review the material thoroughly. This includes evolution, cognitive development, learning theories, psychodynamic theories, ecology, biology, and sociocultural theories. Although you technically can review human development theories almost anywhere online, it is important to remember that theoretical interpretation of any discipline is constantly changing (thus, the defining characteristic of a “theory”). Be sure to study this section using human development texts with updated editions and other resources suggested by CollegeBoard.

This section calls for a basic understanding of research method definitions, which actually isn’t as scary as having to take a full Research Methods course AND Statistics. Such terms are applicable to human growth and development research as well as any other topic of interest out there. Be comfortable with knowing and applying terms such as: case study, cross-sectional, cross-sequential, longitudinal, observational, experimental, and correlational to name a few. Thankfully, this is only a small portion of the test that you can afford to botch if research is an uncomfortable arena for you.

This is one of the bigger chunks of the exam, and rightfully so since it outlines the origin of human growth and development. We’re talking about the physiological creation of the human body. This includes prenatal development (brain and nervous system, sex determination, hormones, teratogens, genetics, fetal substance/drug exposure, motor development, perinatal nutrition, and maturation of the developing egg.

Now we’re back to a smaller, but fascinating chunk of the exam. This includes details of sensory development (touch, taste, smell, vestibular, etc.). We’re talking about sensory development that occurs in the womb and continues on after birth. Be familiar with terms such as: habituation, sensory acuity, and sensory deprivation. Learn more about what happens when sensory and motor skills combine forces in order to help a person participate in everyday living tasks.

Again, we have one of the larger chunks of the exam that may require extra attention. Although cognitive development can be an intriguing topic, it is also complex and not even fully understood by well-versed professionals. Brush up on theories such as Jean Piaget’s Cognitive Theory and Lev Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory. Gear your studies towards the human brain and what anatomical areas are responsible for certain cognitive functions: attention, reasoning, judgment, memory, etc. Be sure to include how both the developing person and the environment influences cognitive development.

Although a ton of cognitive elements go into language, separate that out for the sake of confusion. This section focuses on pragmatics, sound production, semantic and vocalization development. Acknowledge how genetics and culture influence language development and how language influences thought processes (expressing language AND comprehending language).

Bring yourself outside of the cognitive development box again, and focus on just the intelligence piece. Everyone is born with neurological processes for reasoning, problem-solving, and executive function, but why does it play out differently for people? Why are some people seemingly smarter than others? Study up on how intelligence and creativity change over the lifespan due to hereditary and environmental influences. Review common intelligence tests (i.e., IQ) and current research behind giftedness.

Our last, large chunk of the exam focuses on vital social development aspects that heavily influence connecting with others. Young children have to learn how to create and maintain healthy, interpersonal relationships. This involves adopting morals, modeling behavior, gender identity, avoiding maladaptive social behaviors (i.e., impulsivity, aggression), knowing where to take risks, and developing social cognition. If need be, re-examine Vygotsky’s theory on social development.

Learn how the environment, in greater detail, impacts the development of a child, for good and bad. As a newborn ages, they are automatically bombarded by family relationships and structures, socio-economic status, parenting styles, cultural perspectives, media/technology, etc. It would be beneficial to review Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory to better grasp how a child’s surroundings impact their growth and behavior.

Revisit popular personality theories posed by Erik Erikson and Sigmund Freud. This section will cover the development of human emotion, where it starts and how it changes. Emotional expression can vary per person depending on developmental and environmental influences. Research definitions behind emotional intelligence, emotional regulation, attribution, emotional stability, and temperament.

This is a small, but somewhat vague, chunk of the exam. Essentially, you are putting the developmental pieces together and into something functional outside of the home. This includes work, school, daycare, and elderly care. You are learning about when and how a person starts to take on multiple roles.

This section covers examples of when typical development does not go as planned, resulting in all sorts of psychological, cognitive, and physical impairments. This includes childhood disorders (ADHD, autism, intellectual disability, Down’s syndrome, trauma-based disorders) and adulthood disorders (dementia, anti-social disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, anxiety). All diagnoses tested on are up-to-date according to the criteria set forth by the DSM-5 (Diagnostics and Statistical Manual version 5).