Page 1 of 161
PSYC 140 – Developmental (Lifespan)
Psychology | Portage Learning (2025
Edition) Complete Course Package Deal
Modules 1–8 + Final Comprehensive
Exam Verified Study Resource | Full
Exams, Answers & Rationales | A+
Rated S All-in-One Study & Exam Prep
Bund
Question 1
Which of the following best defines lifespan development?
A) The study of how people change only during childhood
B) The scientific study of age-related changes in behavior,
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thinking, emotion, and personality across the entire human life
C) The study of genetic influences on behavior
D) The study of cognitive decline in older adults only
Answer: B
Rationale: Lifespan development examines growth and change
from conception to death, encompassing physical, cognitive, and
psychosocial domains across all ages.
Question 2
According to Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory, the primary
developmental task of infancy (first year) is:
A) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B) Trust vs. Mistrust
C) Initiative vs. Guilt
D) Industry vs. Inferiority
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Answer: B
Rationale: Erikson’s first stage (0–1 year) is Trust vs. Mistrust.
Infants develop a sense of trust when caregivers provide reliable,
consistent care. Failure leads to mistrust.
Question 3
A researcher wants to study how children’s aggressive behavior
changes as they move from preschool to elementary school. She
follows the same group of 50 children, measuring their behavior
at ages 4, 6, and 8. This is an example of:
A) Cross-sectional design
B) Longitudinal design
C) Sequential design
D) Experimental design
Answer: B
Rationale: Longitudinal design follows the same participants over
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time, measuring them repeatedly. Cross-sectional compares
different age groups at one time point. Sequential combines both.
Question 4
Which of the following is a major criticism of Piaget’s theory of
cognitive development?
A) It overestimates the cognitive abilities of infants and young
children
B) It underestimates the cognitive abilities of infants and young
children (stage changes are more gradual)
C) It ignores the role of social interaction (Vygotsky emphasized
social context)
D) Both B and C
Answer: D
Rationale: Modern research shows infants and young children are
more competent than Piaget believed, and cognitive development is
PSYC 140 – Developmental (Lifespan)
Psychology | Portage Learning (2025
Edition) Complete Course Package Deal
Modules 1–8 + Final Comprehensive
Exam Verified Study Resource | Full
Exams, Answers & Rationales | A+
Rated S All-in-One Study & Exam Prep
Bund
Question 1
Which of the following best defines lifespan development?
A) The study of how people change only during childhood
B) The scientific study of age-related changes in behavior,
,Page 2 of 161
thinking, emotion, and personality across the entire human life
C) The study of genetic influences on behavior
D) The study of cognitive decline in older adults only
Answer: B
Rationale: Lifespan development examines growth and change
from conception to death, encompassing physical, cognitive, and
psychosocial domains across all ages.
Question 2
According to Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory, the primary
developmental task of infancy (first year) is:
A) Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
B) Trust vs. Mistrust
C) Initiative vs. Guilt
D) Industry vs. Inferiority
,Page 3 of 161
Answer: B
Rationale: Erikson’s first stage (0–1 year) is Trust vs. Mistrust.
Infants develop a sense of trust when caregivers provide reliable,
consistent care. Failure leads to mistrust.
Question 3
A researcher wants to study how children’s aggressive behavior
changes as they move from preschool to elementary school. She
follows the same group of 50 children, measuring their behavior
at ages 4, 6, and 8. This is an example of:
A) Cross-sectional design
B) Longitudinal design
C) Sequential design
D) Experimental design
Answer: B
Rationale: Longitudinal design follows the same participants over
, Page 4 of 161
time, measuring them repeatedly. Cross-sectional compares
different age groups at one time point. Sequential combines both.
Question 4
Which of the following is a major criticism of Piaget’s theory of
cognitive development?
A) It overestimates the cognitive abilities of infants and young
children
B) It underestimates the cognitive abilities of infants and young
children (stage changes are more gradual)
C) It ignores the role of social interaction (Vygotsky emphasized
social context)
D) Both B and C
Answer: D
Rationale: Modern research shows infants and young children are
more competent than Piaget believed, and cognitive development is
