UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

B.A. FINAL PART I/II EXAMINATION

B.SOC.SC. FINAL PART I/II EXAMINATION
B.S.Y. FINAL PART I/II EXAMINATION
B.B.A. FINAL PART I/II EXAMINATION
POSTGRADUATE CER:r. IN PSYCHOLOGY EXAMINATION

PSYCHOLOGY: DEVELOPMENTAL AND BIOLOGICAL

PSYCHOLOGY (14216)
May 19, 1994 2.30 - 4.30

Answer THREE questions. You must answer at least ONE question from each
section.

All questions carry equal marks.

Section A: Answer at least ONE of the following four questions.

1. Explain why the results from studies using cross-sectional, longitudinal and time-
Jag designs do not permit an adequate assessment of cohort effects. Using an
example, describe a research design that allows you to better estimate these
effects.

2. Explain how the child-rearing dimensions of control and responsiveness combine

with one another to produce four basic styles of parenting and indicate the
relationship of each style to developmental outcomes for children. Why is
authoritative parenting such an effective child-rearing style?

3. Describe the characteristics of adolescent egocentrism and illustrate the ways in

which it reflects cognitive growth during adolescence.

4. Describe cognitive changes in middle adulthood and evaluate the usefulness of

the psychometric approach in accounting for these changes.

Section B~ Answer at least ONE of the following four questions.

1. What biochemical processes occur when a nerve impulse travels along a neuron?
Given that the action potentials along neurons within the brain are "all-or-none"
phenomena, how is it that the brain as a whole can engage in complex behaviours
such as reading or thinking, if these behaviours are merely the result of neuronal
activity? Is it of any scientific value to study the underlying neuronal activity in
order to understand psychological phenomena?

2. Does a "split-brain" person have two minds or one? How does hemispheric
specialization vary with handedness?

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3. What are the biological concomitants of REM sleep? What are the effects of
REM deprivation? Describe one sleep abnormality, giving (speculating, if
necessary, upon) its biological basis. What are the advantages and disadvantages
of studying dreaming from a biological perspective?

4. With regard to either (a) depression or (b) schizophrenia; Describe the

biochemical changes that have been hypothesized to underlie the disorder.
Speculate upon whether these changes are causes of the abnormality, or merely
responses to the abnormality. State alternative biological explanations. Evaluate
the usefulness of the biological approach for therapy.