CPCE Exam: Counseling, Development, and
Research | 160 Practice Quiz with Correct
Answers Plus Rationale | New Update 2026-2027
Theories of Development and Personality
1. Stabilization of one's self-concept:
A) typically occurs during the preschool years
B) is completed by early adolescence
C) may be influenced by cultural and family factors
D) seldom stabilizes in one's lifetime
Correct Answer: C) may be influenced by cultural and family factors
Rationale: Self-concept—individuals' perception of who they are, their attributes,
and traits—is influenced by cultural and family factors. While self-concept
development is ongoing, it is shaped by environmental and social influences
rather than following a fixed timeline.
2. Which of the following is NOT a neurotransmitter which facilitates messages
between neurons?
A) dopamine
B) serotonin
C) acetylcholine
D) atropine
Correct Answer: D) atropine
Rationale: Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that blocks acetylcholine
receptors, not a neurotransmitter. Dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine are all
neurotransmitters that facilitate neuronal communication.
,3. The view that children begin their development as a blank slate has been
identified by John Locke as:
A) tabula rasa
B) plasticity
C) resiliency
D) genotype
Correct Answer: A) tabula rasa
Rationale: John Locke introduced the concept of "tabula rasa" (blank slate),
suggesting that children are born without innate ideas and develop through
experience and sensory input.
4. According to Erikson, young adults seek close relationships with others but
fear that doing so would mean giving up independence. Erikson called this
tension:
A) adaptation vs. accommodation
B) formal vs. concrete development
C) autonomy vs. shame and doubt
D) intimacy vs. isolation
Correct Answer: D) intimacy vs. isolation
Rationale: Erikson's sixth stage, intimacy vs. isolation, occurs in young adulthood
and involves forming close, committed relationships while maintaining a sense of
independence.
5. Justin's family moved to a new school district in October. His teacher noticed
that although his verbal skills were well developed, he was not interested in
interacting with other children. Justin seemed preoccupied with anything with
wheels and would try to determine what made them turn. Often the teacher
would see Justin make turning movements with his hands or arms. It may be
that Justin has:
,A) attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
B) autistic disorder
C) Asperger's disorder
D) obsessive compulsive disorder
Correct Answer: C) Asperger's disorder
Rationale: Asperger's disorder (now part of Autism Spectrum Disorder in DSM-5)
is characterized by preserved verbal skills but significant social interaction
difficulties, restricted interests, and repetitive motor mannerisms.
6. Which of the following is a true statement pertaining to the DSM-5?
A) all major categories of disorders have been renamed
B) there is less emphasis on pathopsychological origin of symptoms and behavior
C) The axial classification system has been dropped
D) Autism and Asperger's are classified under disruptive impulse control disorders
Correct Answer: C) The axial classification system has been dropped
Rationale: The DSM-5 eliminated the multiaxial system used in DSM-IV. Disorders
are now listed without the five axes.
7. According to behaviorists, the law of effect most nearly refers to:
A) hierarchy of needs
B) defense mechanisms
C) psychosexual development
D) conditioning principles
Correct Answer: D) conditioning principles
Rationale: Thorndike's Law of Effect states that behaviors followed by satisfying
consequences are more likely to be repeated, forming the basis of operant
conditioning.
, 8. Strong interpersonal relationships are often forged by individuals working for
the same company. Not infrequently marriages are the result of some of these
relationships. The principle involved here is called:
A) adaptation
B) propinquity
C) commitment
D) accommodation
Correct Answer: B) propinquity
Rationale: Propinquity refers to physical or psychological proximity, which
increases the likelihood of forming relationships due to repeated exposure and
interaction.
9. Frequently a mental status exam is administered to an individual seeking
mental health services. Which of the following is NOT one of those areas?
A) interpersonal relationships
B) mood and affect
C) appearance and behavior
D) sensorium
Correct Answer: A) interpersonal relationships
Rationale: A mental status exam typically covers appearance, behavior, mood,
affect, thought process, cognition, and sensorium. Interpersonal relationships are
assessed through history, not the formal MSE.
10. Albert Bandura developed a social learning theory and self-efficacy is one of
the principal concepts. Which one of the following is NOT an approach
recommended by Bandura?
A) vicarious experience
B) raising anxiety level
C) modeling
D) verbal persuasion
Research | 160 Practice Quiz with Correct
Answers Plus Rationale | New Update 2026-2027
Theories of Development and Personality
1. Stabilization of one's self-concept:
A) typically occurs during the preschool years
B) is completed by early adolescence
C) may be influenced by cultural and family factors
D) seldom stabilizes in one's lifetime
Correct Answer: C) may be influenced by cultural and family factors
Rationale: Self-concept—individuals' perception of who they are, their attributes,
and traits—is influenced by cultural and family factors. While self-concept
development is ongoing, it is shaped by environmental and social influences
rather than following a fixed timeline.
2. Which of the following is NOT a neurotransmitter which facilitates messages
between neurons?
A) dopamine
B) serotonin
C) acetylcholine
D) atropine
Correct Answer: D) atropine
Rationale: Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that blocks acetylcholine
receptors, not a neurotransmitter. Dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine are all
neurotransmitters that facilitate neuronal communication.
,3. The view that children begin their development as a blank slate has been
identified by John Locke as:
A) tabula rasa
B) plasticity
C) resiliency
D) genotype
Correct Answer: A) tabula rasa
Rationale: John Locke introduced the concept of "tabula rasa" (blank slate),
suggesting that children are born without innate ideas and develop through
experience and sensory input.
4. According to Erikson, young adults seek close relationships with others but
fear that doing so would mean giving up independence. Erikson called this
tension:
A) adaptation vs. accommodation
B) formal vs. concrete development
C) autonomy vs. shame and doubt
D) intimacy vs. isolation
Correct Answer: D) intimacy vs. isolation
Rationale: Erikson's sixth stage, intimacy vs. isolation, occurs in young adulthood
and involves forming close, committed relationships while maintaining a sense of
independence.
5. Justin's family moved to a new school district in October. His teacher noticed
that although his verbal skills were well developed, he was not interested in
interacting with other children. Justin seemed preoccupied with anything with
wheels and would try to determine what made them turn. Often the teacher
would see Justin make turning movements with his hands or arms. It may be
that Justin has:
,A) attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
B) autistic disorder
C) Asperger's disorder
D) obsessive compulsive disorder
Correct Answer: C) Asperger's disorder
Rationale: Asperger's disorder (now part of Autism Spectrum Disorder in DSM-5)
is characterized by preserved verbal skills but significant social interaction
difficulties, restricted interests, and repetitive motor mannerisms.
6. Which of the following is a true statement pertaining to the DSM-5?
A) all major categories of disorders have been renamed
B) there is less emphasis on pathopsychological origin of symptoms and behavior
C) The axial classification system has been dropped
D) Autism and Asperger's are classified under disruptive impulse control disorders
Correct Answer: C) The axial classification system has been dropped
Rationale: The DSM-5 eliminated the multiaxial system used in DSM-IV. Disorders
are now listed without the five axes.
7. According to behaviorists, the law of effect most nearly refers to:
A) hierarchy of needs
B) defense mechanisms
C) psychosexual development
D) conditioning principles
Correct Answer: D) conditioning principles
Rationale: Thorndike's Law of Effect states that behaviors followed by satisfying
consequences are more likely to be repeated, forming the basis of operant
conditioning.
, 8. Strong interpersonal relationships are often forged by individuals working for
the same company. Not infrequently marriages are the result of some of these
relationships. The principle involved here is called:
A) adaptation
B) propinquity
C) commitment
D) accommodation
Correct Answer: B) propinquity
Rationale: Propinquity refers to physical or psychological proximity, which
increases the likelihood of forming relationships due to repeated exposure and
interaction.
9. Frequently a mental status exam is administered to an individual seeking
mental health services. Which of the following is NOT one of those areas?
A) interpersonal relationships
B) mood and affect
C) appearance and behavior
D) sensorium
Correct Answer: A) interpersonal relationships
Rationale: A mental status exam typically covers appearance, behavior, mood,
affect, thought process, cognition, and sensorium. Interpersonal relationships are
assessed through history, not the formal MSE.
10. Albert Bandura developed a social learning theory and self-efficacy is one of
the principal concepts. Which one of the following is NOT an approach
recommended by Bandura?
A) vicarious experience
B) raising anxiety level
C) modeling
D) verbal persuasion
