PSYC 140 Final Exam | Developmental (Lifespan) Psychology Exam Q&A |
Portage Learning
1. Which of the following best defines the lifespan perspective in
developmental psychology?
A) The study of development exclusively during childhood and
adolescence
B) A framework viewing development as lifelong, multidimensional, and
plastic
C) The belief that genetics alone determine developmental outcomes
D) A theory that development stops at the end of adolescence
Correct Answer: A framework viewing development as lifelong,
multidimensional, and plastic
Rationale: The lifespan perspective, associated with Paul Baltes, views
development as a lifelong process that is multidimensional, multidirectional,
and plastic. It rejects the idea that development is limited to childhood or
determined solely by genetics, emphasizing the interaction of biological,
cognitive, and socioemotional factors.
2. What is the primary function of a longitudinal research design in
developmental psychology?
A) To compare different age groups at a single point in time
B) To follow the same individuals over an extended period to observe
changes
C) To establish cause-and-effect relationships through manipulation
D) To collect data through surveys and questionnaires
Correct Answer: To follow the same individuals over an extended period to
observe changes
Rationale: A longitudinal design tracks the same participants repeatedly over
time, allowing researchers to observe developmental changes within
individuals. Crosssectional designs compare different age groups at one time,
and only experimental designs can establish causation.
, 3. According to Erikson's psychosocial theory, what is the central crisis of
infancy (birth to 18 months)?
A) Autonomy versus shame and doubt
B) Trust versus mistrust
C) Initiative versus guilt
D) Industry versus inferiority
Correct Answer: Trust versus mistrust
Rationale: Erikson's first stage, trust versus mistrust, occurs from birth to
approximately 18 months and focuses on infants developing a sense of security
through consistent caregiving. Success leads to hope, while failure results in
mistrust and anxiety about the world.
4. In Freud's psychosexual theory, which part of the personality operates
on the pleasure principle?
A) Ego
B) Superego
C) Id
D) Conscience
Correct Answer: Id
Rationale: The id is the primitive, instinctual component of personality that
seeks immediate gratification of urges and desires. The ego operates on the
reality principle, and the superego represents internalized moral standards and
conscience.
5. Which of the following best describes Piaget's sensorimotor stage of
cognitive development?
A) Children develop logical thinking about concrete events
B) Infants understand the world through sensory experiences and motor
actions
C) Children can think abstractly and hypothetically
D) Children use symbols and language but lack logical reasoning
Correct Answer: Infants understand the world through sensory experiences and
motor actions
Rationale: Piaget's sensorimotor stage, from birth to about 2 years, involves
understanding the world through sensory input and motor actions. Object
,permanence develops during this stage, while abstract reasoning characterizes
the formal operational stage.
6. What is the primary characteristic of a secure attachment style in
infants?
A) Indifference when the caregiver leaves and returns
B) Distress when the caregiver leaves and joy upon return
C) Clinging to the caregiver and refusing to explore
D) Alternating between approach and avoidance behaviors
Correct Answer: Distress when the caregiver leaves and joy upon return
Rationale: Securely attached infants show distress when separated from their
caregiver and seek comfort upon reunion, using the caregiver as a secure base
for exploration.
Avoidant infants show indifference, and ambivalent infants show mixed
reactions.
7. According to Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, what is the Zone of
Proximal Development (ZPD)?
A) The stage when a child develops object permanence
B) The gap between what a child can do alone and what they can do with
assistance
C) The period of rapid physical growth during infancy
D) The ability to understand abstract concepts without help
Correct Answer: The gap between what a child can do alone and what they can
do with assistance
Rationale: Vygotsky defined the ZPD as the distance between a child's actual
developmental level and their potential developmental level with guidance
from a more knowledgeable other. It emphasizes the role of social interaction
in cognitive development.
8. A researcher is studying the effects of prenatal nutrition on birth
outcomes. Which teratogen is most commonly associated with fetal
alcohol spectrum disorders? A) Caffeine
B) Alcohol
C) Nicotine
D) Thalidomide
, Correct Answer: Alcohol
Rationale: Alcohol is a well-established teratogen that can cause fetal alcohol
spectrum disorders (FASD), leading to physical, cognitive, and behavioral
abnormalities. Caffeine and nicotine have less severe effects, and thalidomide
causes limb malformations.
9. What is the primary developmental task of early childhood according to
Erikson?
A) Trust versus mistrust
B) Autonomy versus shame and doubt
C) Initiative versus guilt
D) Industry versus inferiority
Correct Answer: Initiative versus guilt
Rationale: Erikson's third stage, initiative versus guilt, occurs during early
childhood (ages 3-6) and involves children asserting themselves and taking
initiative. Success leads to purpose, while failure results in guilt and inhibition.
10. Which of the following best describes the concept of conservation in
Piaget's theory?
A) The understanding that objects continue to exist when out of sight
B) The ability to think abstractly and hypothetically
C) The understanding that quantity remains constant despite changes in
appearance
D) The tendency to focus on one aspect of a situation while ignoring
others
Correct Answer: The understanding that quantity remains constant despite
changes in appearance
Rationale: Conservation is the understanding that quantity, volume, or mass
remains the same despite changes in shape or arrangement. It develops during
the concrete operational stage, while object permanence develops in the
sensorimotor stage.
11. What is the primary function of the placenta during prenatal
development?
A) To produce hormones for maternal health
Portage Learning
1. Which of the following best defines the lifespan perspective in
developmental psychology?
A) The study of development exclusively during childhood and
adolescence
B) A framework viewing development as lifelong, multidimensional, and
plastic
C) The belief that genetics alone determine developmental outcomes
D) A theory that development stops at the end of adolescence
Correct Answer: A framework viewing development as lifelong,
multidimensional, and plastic
Rationale: The lifespan perspective, associated with Paul Baltes, views
development as a lifelong process that is multidimensional, multidirectional,
and plastic. It rejects the idea that development is limited to childhood or
determined solely by genetics, emphasizing the interaction of biological,
cognitive, and socioemotional factors.
2. What is the primary function of a longitudinal research design in
developmental psychology?
A) To compare different age groups at a single point in time
B) To follow the same individuals over an extended period to observe
changes
C) To establish cause-and-effect relationships through manipulation
D) To collect data through surveys and questionnaires
Correct Answer: To follow the same individuals over an extended period to
observe changes
Rationale: A longitudinal design tracks the same participants repeatedly over
time, allowing researchers to observe developmental changes within
individuals. Crosssectional designs compare different age groups at one time,
and only experimental designs can establish causation.
, 3. According to Erikson's psychosocial theory, what is the central crisis of
infancy (birth to 18 months)?
A) Autonomy versus shame and doubt
B) Trust versus mistrust
C) Initiative versus guilt
D) Industry versus inferiority
Correct Answer: Trust versus mistrust
Rationale: Erikson's first stage, trust versus mistrust, occurs from birth to
approximately 18 months and focuses on infants developing a sense of security
through consistent caregiving. Success leads to hope, while failure results in
mistrust and anxiety about the world.
4. In Freud's psychosexual theory, which part of the personality operates
on the pleasure principle?
A) Ego
B) Superego
C) Id
D) Conscience
Correct Answer: Id
Rationale: The id is the primitive, instinctual component of personality that
seeks immediate gratification of urges and desires. The ego operates on the
reality principle, and the superego represents internalized moral standards and
conscience.
5. Which of the following best describes Piaget's sensorimotor stage of
cognitive development?
A) Children develop logical thinking about concrete events
B) Infants understand the world through sensory experiences and motor
actions
C) Children can think abstractly and hypothetically
D) Children use symbols and language but lack logical reasoning
Correct Answer: Infants understand the world through sensory experiences and
motor actions
Rationale: Piaget's sensorimotor stage, from birth to about 2 years, involves
understanding the world through sensory input and motor actions. Object
,permanence develops during this stage, while abstract reasoning characterizes
the formal operational stage.
6. What is the primary characteristic of a secure attachment style in
infants?
A) Indifference when the caregiver leaves and returns
B) Distress when the caregiver leaves and joy upon return
C) Clinging to the caregiver and refusing to explore
D) Alternating between approach and avoidance behaviors
Correct Answer: Distress when the caregiver leaves and joy upon return
Rationale: Securely attached infants show distress when separated from their
caregiver and seek comfort upon reunion, using the caregiver as a secure base
for exploration.
Avoidant infants show indifference, and ambivalent infants show mixed
reactions.
7. According to Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, what is the Zone of
Proximal Development (ZPD)?
A) The stage when a child develops object permanence
B) The gap between what a child can do alone and what they can do with
assistance
C) The period of rapid physical growth during infancy
D) The ability to understand abstract concepts without help
Correct Answer: The gap between what a child can do alone and what they can
do with assistance
Rationale: Vygotsky defined the ZPD as the distance between a child's actual
developmental level and their potential developmental level with guidance
from a more knowledgeable other. It emphasizes the role of social interaction
in cognitive development.
8. A researcher is studying the effects of prenatal nutrition on birth
outcomes. Which teratogen is most commonly associated with fetal
alcohol spectrum disorders? A) Caffeine
B) Alcohol
C) Nicotine
D) Thalidomide
, Correct Answer: Alcohol
Rationale: Alcohol is a well-established teratogen that can cause fetal alcohol
spectrum disorders (FASD), leading to physical, cognitive, and behavioral
abnormalities. Caffeine and nicotine have less severe effects, and thalidomide
causes limb malformations.
9. What is the primary developmental task of early childhood according to
Erikson?
A) Trust versus mistrust
B) Autonomy versus shame and doubt
C) Initiative versus guilt
D) Industry versus inferiority
Correct Answer: Initiative versus guilt
Rationale: Erikson's third stage, initiative versus guilt, occurs during early
childhood (ages 3-6) and involves children asserting themselves and taking
initiative. Success leads to purpose, while failure results in guilt and inhibition.
10. Which of the following best describes the concept of conservation in
Piaget's theory?
A) The understanding that objects continue to exist when out of sight
B) The ability to think abstractly and hypothetically
C) The understanding that quantity remains constant despite changes in
appearance
D) The tendency to focus on one aspect of a situation while ignoring
others
Correct Answer: The understanding that quantity remains constant despite
changes in appearance
Rationale: Conservation is the understanding that quantity, volume, or mass
remains the same despite changes in shape or arrangement. It develops during
the concrete operational stage, while object permanence develops in the
sensorimotor stage.
11. What is the primary function of the placenta during prenatal
development?
A) To produce hormones for maternal health
