,PSYC 140 Module Exam 2 | Developmental (Lifespan)
Psychology | Portage Learning | Q & A | 2026 Edition
(PDF)
1. Which of the following best defines a genotype-environment interaction in developmental
psychology?
A) The process by which genes directly determine all behavioral outcomes without environmental
influence
B) The dynamic interplay between an individual's genetic inheritance and their environmental
experiences
C) The exclusive influence of parenting styles on a child's personality development
D) The random assignment of genetic traits regardless of environmental factors
Correct Answer: The dynamic interplay between an individual's genetic inheritance and their
environmental experiences
Rationale: Genotype-environment interaction refers to how genetic predispositions and environmental
factors work together to shape development. Genes do not act in isolation; they interact with
environmental experiences to produce developmental outcomes. The other options either
overemphasize genetics, ignore the interaction, or misrepresent the concept entirely.
2. What is the primary characteristic of a passive genotype-environment correlation?
A) The child actively seeks out environments that match their genetic predispositions
B) The child's genetically-influenced behaviors evoke specific responses from others
C) Parents provide both the genetic predisposition and the nurturing environment
D) The child has no genetic influence on their environmental experiences
Correct Answer: Parents provide both the genetic predisposition and the nurturing environment
Rationale: In a passive genotype-environment correlation, parents provide both the genes and the
environment that supports those genetic tendencies. The child takes little active role in choosing the
environment, as seen when musician parents buy their child an instrument and provide lessons. Active
,correlations involve the child seeking environments, and evocative correlations involve the child's
behaviors eliciting responses from others.
3. According to research on genotype-environment correlations, which scenario best illustrates an active
(niche-picking) correlation?
A) A child with a genetic predisposition for athletics joins the soccer team and practices daily
B) A child's outgoing personality causes teachers to give her more speaking opportunities
C) Parents who are both artists provide art supplies and lessons for their child
D) A child inherits tall stature and is automatically placed on the basketball team
Correct Answer: A child with a genetic predisposition for athletics joins the soccer team and practices
daily
Rationale: An active genotype-environment correlation occurs when the child actively seeks out
environments that align with their genetic predispositions. The child who chooses to join a team and
practice is actively creating an environment that fosters their genetic tendencies. The other options
describe evocative (B), passive (C), and a scenario that does not clearly represent a genotype-
environment correlation (D).
4. Which research design involves observing participants in their natural settings without any
manipulation or interference?
A) Experimental design
B) Longitudinal design
C) Naturalistic observation
D) Cross-sectional design
Correct Answer: Naturalistic observation
Rationale: Naturalistic observation is a research method in which researchers observe behavior in
natural settings without interference. This approach provides high ecological validity but limited control
over variables. Experimental designs involve manipulation, longitudinal designs track individuals over
time, and cross-sectional designs compare different age groups at one point.
, 5. A researcher follows a group of 100 children from age 5 to age 15, measuring their social skills every
two years. Which research design is being used?
A) Cross-sectional design
B) Longitudinal design
C) Naturalistic observation
D) Case study design
Correct Answer: Longitudinal design
Rationale: A longitudinal design involves studying the same group of participants repeatedly over an
extended period. This design allows researchers to track developmental changes and individual
trajectories over time. Cross-sectional designs compare different age groups at one time point,
naturalistic observation involves observing behavior in natural settings, and case studies focus on in-
depth examination of individuals.
6. What is the term for the prenatal period during which the major organs and body structures begin to
form, making the embryo most vulnerable to teratogens?
A) Germinal period
B) Embryonic period
C) Fetal period
D) Zygotic period
Correct Answer: Embryonic period
Rationale: The embryonic period (weeks 3–8) is when organogenesis occurs—the formation of major
organs and body structures. During this critical period, the developing embryo is most susceptible to
teratogens. The germinal period involves cell division and implantation, the fetal period involves growth
and refinement, and the zygotic period is not a standard term for this phase.
7. Which of the following is a teratogen that can cause significant harm to a developing fetus?
A) Folic acid supplementation
B) Maternal alcohol consumption
Psychology | Portage Learning | Q & A | 2026 Edition
(PDF)
1. Which of the following best defines a genotype-environment interaction in developmental
psychology?
A) The process by which genes directly determine all behavioral outcomes without environmental
influence
B) The dynamic interplay between an individual's genetic inheritance and their environmental
experiences
C) The exclusive influence of parenting styles on a child's personality development
D) The random assignment of genetic traits regardless of environmental factors
Correct Answer: The dynamic interplay between an individual's genetic inheritance and their
environmental experiences
Rationale: Genotype-environment interaction refers to how genetic predispositions and environmental
factors work together to shape development. Genes do not act in isolation; they interact with
environmental experiences to produce developmental outcomes. The other options either
overemphasize genetics, ignore the interaction, or misrepresent the concept entirely.
2. What is the primary characteristic of a passive genotype-environment correlation?
A) The child actively seeks out environments that match their genetic predispositions
B) The child's genetically-influenced behaviors evoke specific responses from others
C) Parents provide both the genetic predisposition and the nurturing environment
D) The child has no genetic influence on their environmental experiences
Correct Answer: Parents provide both the genetic predisposition and the nurturing environment
Rationale: In a passive genotype-environment correlation, parents provide both the genes and the
environment that supports those genetic tendencies. The child takes little active role in choosing the
environment, as seen when musician parents buy their child an instrument and provide lessons. Active
,correlations involve the child seeking environments, and evocative correlations involve the child's
behaviors eliciting responses from others.
3. According to research on genotype-environment correlations, which scenario best illustrates an active
(niche-picking) correlation?
A) A child with a genetic predisposition for athletics joins the soccer team and practices daily
B) A child's outgoing personality causes teachers to give her more speaking opportunities
C) Parents who are both artists provide art supplies and lessons for their child
D) A child inherits tall stature and is automatically placed on the basketball team
Correct Answer: A child with a genetic predisposition for athletics joins the soccer team and practices
daily
Rationale: An active genotype-environment correlation occurs when the child actively seeks out
environments that align with their genetic predispositions. The child who chooses to join a team and
practice is actively creating an environment that fosters their genetic tendencies. The other options
describe evocative (B), passive (C), and a scenario that does not clearly represent a genotype-
environment correlation (D).
4. Which research design involves observing participants in their natural settings without any
manipulation or interference?
A) Experimental design
B) Longitudinal design
C) Naturalistic observation
D) Cross-sectional design
Correct Answer: Naturalistic observation
Rationale: Naturalistic observation is a research method in which researchers observe behavior in
natural settings without interference. This approach provides high ecological validity but limited control
over variables. Experimental designs involve manipulation, longitudinal designs track individuals over
time, and cross-sectional designs compare different age groups at one point.
, 5. A researcher follows a group of 100 children from age 5 to age 15, measuring their social skills every
two years. Which research design is being used?
A) Cross-sectional design
B) Longitudinal design
C) Naturalistic observation
D) Case study design
Correct Answer: Longitudinal design
Rationale: A longitudinal design involves studying the same group of participants repeatedly over an
extended period. This design allows researchers to track developmental changes and individual
trajectories over time. Cross-sectional designs compare different age groups at one time point,
naturalistic observation involves observing behavior in natural settings, and case studies focus on in-
depth examination of individuals.
6. What is the term for the prenatal period during which the major organs and body structures begin to
form, making the embryo most vulnerable to teratogens?
A) Germinal period
B) Embryonic period
C) Fetal period
D) Zygotic period
Correct Answer: Embryonic period
Rationale: The embryonic period (weeks 3–8) is when organogenesis occurs—the formation of major
organs and body structures. During this critical period, the developing embryo is most susceptible to
teratogens. The germinal period involves cell division and implantation, the fetal period involves growth
and refinement, and the zygotic period is not a standard term for this phase.
7. Which of the following is a teratogen that can cause significant harm to a developing fetus?
A) Folic acid supplementation
B) Maternal alcohol consumption
