PSYC 140 Developmental (Lifespan)
Psychology Practice Exam 2026/2027 –
Complete Exam-Style Questions with Correct
Answers & Detailed Rationales | Verified &
Reliable.
Question 1
A researcher wants to determine whether a child's ability to
delay gratification at age 4 predicts academic functioning at age
12. Which research design is most appropriate?
A) Cross-sectional study
B) Longitudinal study
C) Case study
D) Naturalistic observation
Correct Answer: B) Longitudinal study
Rationale: A longitudinal study follows the same individuals
over an extended period, making it appropriate for examining
whether an early characteristic predicts a later outcome. A
cross-sectional study compares different age groups at one
point in time and therefore cannot directly establish
developmental change within the same individuals. A case study
,provides an intensive examination of one person or a small
group, while naturalistic observation describes behavior in a
natural setting but does not by itself provide the repeated
measurements needed to examine long-term prediction.
Question 2
A pregnant individual is exposed to a harmful substance during
a period when a major organ system is forming. The developing
embryo subsequently shows structural abnormalities. This
example most directly illustrates the concept of:
A) Canalization
B) Teratogenic influence
C) Genetic imprinting
D) Habituation
Correct Answer: B) Teratogenic influence
Rationale: A teratogen is an environmental agent that can
negatively affect prenatal development, including substances,
infections, radiation, or other environmental exposures. The
timing and amount of exposure can influence the nature and
severity of developmental effects. Canalization refers to the
tendency for development to follow a relatively stable pathway
despite minor environmental variation. Genetic imprinting
involves parent-of-origin effects on gene expression, whereas
,habituation is a basic form of learning in which responsiveness
decreases after repeated exposure to a stimulus.
Question 3
Which prenatal period is generally characterized by the
greatest vulnerability to structural abnormalities caused by
major teratogenic exposure?
A) Germinal period only
B) Embryonic period
C) Fetal period after viability
D) Immediately before birth only
Correct Answer: B) Embryonic period
Rationale: The embryonic period, approximately weeks 3
through 8 after conception, is particularly sensitive because
major organs and body structures are undergoing formation.
Significant disruption during this period can produce structural
abnormalities. The germinal period primarily involves rapid cell
division and implantation, while the fetal period is characterized
largely by growth and functional maturation, although harmful
exposures can still affect the fetus during this later period.
Question 4
, A newborn turns toward a gentle touch near the corner of the
mouth and begins making sucking movements. Which reflex is
being demonstrated?
A) Moro reflex
B) Babinski reflex
C) Rooting reflex
D) Palmar grasp reflex
Correct Answer: C) Rooting reflex
Rationale: The rooting reflex causes an infant to turn toward
stimulation near the mouth and helps locate the nipple for
feeding. The Moro reflex involves a characteristic startle
response, including extension of the arms, following sudden
stimulation. The Babinski reflex involves movement of the toes
following stimulation of the sole of the foot, while the palmar
grasp involves closing the fingers around an object placed in the
infant's palm.
Question 5
An infant repeatedly encounters a toy that produces the same
sound. After several presentations, the infant pays less
attention to it. When a new sound is introduced, attention
increases again. This pattern demonstrates:
Psychology Practice Exam 2026/2027 –
Complete Exam-Style Questions with Correct
Answers & Detailed Rationales | Verified &
Reliable.
Question 1
A researcher wants to determine whether a child's ability to
delay gratification at age 4 predicts academic functioning at age
12. Which research design is most appropriate?
A) Cross-sectional study
B) Longitudinal study
C) Case study
D) Naturalistic observation
Correct Answer: B) Longitudinal study
Rationale: A longitudinal study follows the same individuals
over an extended period, making it appropriate for examining
whether an early characteristic predicts a later outcome. A
cross-sectional study compares different age groups at one
point in time and therefore cannot directly establish
developmental change within the same individuals. A case study
,provides an intensive examination of one person or a small
group, while naturalistic observation describes behavior in a
natural setting but does not by itself provide the repeated
measurements needed to examine long-term prediction.
Question 2
A pregnant individual is exposed to a harmful substance during
a period when a major organ system is forming. The developing
embryo subsequently shows structural abnormalities. This
example most directly illustrates the concept of:
A) Canalization
B) Teratogenic influence
C) Genetic imprinting
D) Habituation
Correct Answer: B) Teratogenic influence
Rationale: A teratogen is an environmental agent that can
negatively affect prenatal development, including substances,
infections, radiation, or other environmental exposures. The
timing and amount of exposure can influence the nature and
severity of developmental effects. Canalization refers to the
tendency for development to follow a relatively stable pathway
despite minor environmental variation. Genetic imprinting
involves parent-of-origin effects on gene expression, whereas
,habituation is a basic form of learning in which responsiveness
decreases after repeated exposure to a stimulus.
Question 3
Which prenatal period is generally characterized by the
greatest vulnerability to structural abnormalities caused by
major teratogenic exposure?
A) Germinal period only
B) Embryonic period
C) Fetal period after viability
D) Immediately before birth only
Correct Answer: B) Embryonic period
Rationale: The embryonic period, approximately weeks 3
through 8 after conception, is particularly sensitive because
major organs and body structures are undergoing formation.
Significant disruption during this period can produce structural
abnormalities. The germinal period primarily involves rapid cell
division and implantation, while the fetal period is characterized
largely by growth and functional maturation, although harmful
exposures can still affect the fetus during this later period.
Question 4
, A newborn turns toward a gentle touch near the corner of the
mouth and begins making sucking movements. Which reflex is
being demonstrated?
A) Moro reflex
B) Babinski reflex
C) Rooting reflex
D) Palmar grasp reflex
Correct Answer: C) Rooting reflex
Rationale: The rooting reflex causes an infant to turn toward
stimulation near the mouth and helps locate the nipple for
feeding. The Moro reflex involves a characteristic startle
response, including extension of the arms, following sudden
stimulation. The Babinski reflex involves movement of the toes
following stimulation of the sole of the foot, while the palmar
grasp involves closing the fingers around an object placed in the
infant's palm.
Question 5
An infant repeatedly encounters a toy that produces the same
sound. After several presentations, the infant pays less
attention to it. When a new sound is introduced, attention
increases again. This pattern demonstrates:
