PSYC140 / PSYC 140 Module 5 Exam Questions
and Answers | Latest 2026–2027 Update |
Developmental (Lifespan) Psychology | Portage
Learning | Verified Solutions | Grade A
Q: Categorize the following symptoms as either a symptom of Inattention or
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity: Frequently forgets things.
Answer
Inattention
Q: Categorize the following symptoms as either a symptom of Inattention or
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity: Blurts out answers before the question is fully asked.
Answer
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity
Q: True or false? ADHD diagnoses are supposed to factor in the degree to which a
child's behavior is more severe than other children at the same age.
Answer
True
Q: True or false? It is currently hypothesized that drug use during pregnancy may
increase the likelihood of a child having ADHD.
Answer
True
Q: __________ is the term that Piaget used for a child's ability to order objects in a
row.
Answer
Seriation
Q: True or false? Parents can help their children who have ADHD by keeping a
consistent routine and maintaining a clear schedule.
Answer
True
Q: Ritalin, a common treatment for ADHD, is an example of a/an [CHOOSE ONE:
Stimulant, Opiate, Depressant] drug.
Answer
Stimulant
Q: True or false? According to Piaget, children in the Concrete Operational stage can
use logic but still struggle with abstract thought.
Answer
True
Q: Categorize the following symptoms as either a symptom of Inattention or
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity: Has great difficulty waiting for his/her turn while playing
games.
Answer
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity
Q: True or false? Parent skills training for families of individuals with ADHD can help
teach parents to use rewards and consequences to curb problem behavior.
Answer
True
Q: True or false? The effects of divorce on a child are partly dependent on the child's
temperament and other social situations in the child's life.
Answer
True
Q: True or false? Children whose parents divorced are more likely to themselves get
divorced, compared to other individuals.
Answer
True
Q: Children in which peer status are at the greatest risk for social and behavioral
difficulties?
Answer
rejected
Q: ________________ children receive high numbers of negative votes in research
studies on peer statuses.
Answer
Rejected
Q: While movies may portray popular children as being obnoxious, research finds that
children in this peer status tend to be skilled in what area?
Answer
social skills
Q: Mark says that people shouldn't steal because they'll get in trouble and go to jail. At
what level would Kohlberg most likely categorize this response, according to his theory
of moral development?
Answer
Preconventional
Q: True or false? Research indicates that girls have more negative consequences when
growing up in a single parent household, compared to boys.
Answer
false
Q: When presented with Kohlberg's Heinz dilemma, Ben says that Heinz should steal
the drug because he loves his wife and helping her shows his love for her. After all,
Heinz probably vowed at his wedding to care for her "in sickness and in health;" he
should do as he promised. Ben believes that people should keep their promises. At what
level would Kohlberg most likely categorize this response, according to his theory of
moral development?
Answer
conventional
Q: Short essay questions should be answered in full sentences.
What is the most probable reason for why ADHD is typically diagnosed during the early
elementary years?
Answer
ADHD is typically diagnosed during the early elementary years because the gross motor
skill development occurs in early childhood.
[TEACHERS NOTE] Children must now sit still in school, and inattentive and impulsive
behaviors may be more obvious then.
Q: Short essay questions should be answered in full sentences.
By what methods did Lawrence Kohlberg study moral development? Be specific in your
answer.
Answer
Interviewing Method Moral Dilemma He used the Interviewing method to study moral
development. He introduced a Moral dilemma in the form of a story and got responses
from his subjects focusing more on the 'Why" than on the moral reasoning based on
right or wrong that is if Heinz was right in stealing the drugs to cure his wife.
[TEACHERS NOTE] By interviewing children and adolescents and giving them moral
dilemmas.
Q: Short essay questions should be answered in full sentences.
According to most experts, what is the recommended treatment for ADHD?
Answer
Combination treatment of medication and behavioral therapy is recommended. Mnay
belive that the go to treatment for children is stimulant medication like Ritalin without
behavioral interventions needed for problematic behaviors, while medication can help
aid the child ability to focus and eventually pay attention , children with ADHD require
specific targeting of impulsive behaviors
Medication and behavioral therapy.
Q: Short essay questions should be answered in full sentences.
Describe the cultural critique of Piaget's theory of cognitive development. What is the
issue? Be specific.
Answer
Piaget failed to realize that cultural and educational experiences were enormous and
important when it came to cognitive development. Piaget thought more as a biologist
and proposed that children's thinking and thought pattern evolves as they mature in
age. He believed that children in the concrete operational stage should have been able to
learn scientifically. whereas, if children are not taught a certain thing they do not get to
develop that aspect of their thinking. Also, in some cultures children are taught different
things and their cognitive development is geared towards the area they are taught.
Hence its possible that not all children will be able to operate in same ways as piaget
proposed that they develop in their thinking as they mature.
[TEACHERS NOTE] Answers need to include two points: a) Piaget assumed that
abilities naturally unfolded, but current research supports more "nurture" explanations
and b) cultures that don't heavily emphasize scientific thinking will have children that
don't achieve the type of thinking that Piaget assessed in the concrete operational stage.
Q: Short essay questions should be answered in full sentences.
Name and describe two improvements from the Preoperational to Concrete Operational
stages
Answer
Preoperational stage last from 2-7 years , during this stage two improvements take place
Toddlers are able to thick symbolically and they learn to play pretend play Concrete
operational stage is from ages 7-11, improvements includes Children start using logic in
this stage, marking the start of operational thought, children start to learn how things
work out like simple math problem solution and they also learn the principle of
conservation.
[TEACHERS NOTE] Two of the following need to be named and described:
Conservation (volume and matter stays the same if nothing is added or removed);
Seriation—ordering objects in a row; Classification—of animals, objects, etc.
Q: True or false? In early childhood and the beginning of middle childhood, boys tend
to show more advances in fine motor skills compared to girls.
Answer
False
Q: True or false? In middle childhood, children's heads become more proportionate
with the rest of their bodies.
Answer
True
Q: Short essay questions should be answered in full sentences.
Describe the following two social categories of children: Prosocial popular children and
Antisocial popular children.
Answer
Prosocial Popular Children: These are children who are liked by their peers. They get
high positive votes and they have really good social skills. They are good listeners, get
along with their peers and they do not use their popularity or social skills towards harm.
Antisocial Popular Children These children on the other hand use their social skills and
popularity in a harmful way. They could use their popularity to bully others, including
gossiping and bringing down others to get popular.
[TEACHERS NOTE] 2 pts for Prosocial: good communication skills, very social. 2 pts
for Antisocial: good communication and social skills, but also aggressive and
antagonistic.
Q: Short essay questions should be answered in full sentences.
What can parents do to increase the likelihood that children will cope optimally with a
divorce? Provide two suggestions, based on the module.
Answer
To help children cope Optimally with divorce, parents could; Adopt good and balanced
parenting styles that is the authoritative parenting style. Parents should also interact
and communicate warmly with their children
[TEACHERS NOTE] Continue good parenting practices, provide warm parent-child
interactions.
Q: Short essay questions should be answered in full sentences.
Alex recently moved to a new middle school and doesn't feel like he fits in with any of
the cliques. Few kids know his name, and most people ignore him. By the end of the
year, not much has changed. Marcus, however, has attended this middle school for
many years. He is frequently picked on by bullies, although he in turn picks on other
children. What would be the most appropriate peer status label for Marcus, and then for
Alex?
Answer
Marcus: rejected. Alex: Neglected
Q: Thoroughly answer the essay questions. Answers should be in clear, complete
sentences.
Your module and the linked readings provided information on childhood obesity. What
are possible psychological and physical consequences of childhood obesity? Describe in
detail two examples of each. Name at least three reasons for the rise in childhood
obesity today. Finally, discuss in detail three recommendations for families combating
childhood obesity. Your answers should expand upon ideas presented in module
readings; that is, your answers should be informed but also reflect your own ideas on the
topic.
Child obesity is when a child is way above the normal healthy weight for his or her age
and height. The possible psychological and physical consequences of childhood obesity
are;
Psychological Consequences
Low self esteem
depression
social exclusion
Physical Consequences
Children with obesity have the risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol which
can lead to cardiovascular diseases
Joint and musculoskeletal discomforts
The risk of having type two diabetes, Fatty liver diseases amongst others
Breathing problems like asthma and sleep apnea
They are also prone to having heart burn.
Social Exclusion:
Answer
Children with obesity have a high risk to be socially excluded because they are
stigmatized and somewhat made fun of because they are too fat. Also, because of this
health challenge they are unable at their age to comfortably undergo activities with
other children in their age bracket and so they are sidelined and or excluded from most
activities
Low Self Esteem:
Answer
Children that are obsessed most often do not like how they look and so they tend to
compare themselves with other social standards of beauty that they see in others in
terms of how their body looks. Also, because they are prune to be body shamed they
begin to dislike how they look, they become withdrawn and lose confidence in
themselves.
Joints and Musculoskeletal Discomfort:
Answer
This consequence results due to the fact that they have high body mass and are unable
to move or undergo physical activities which could help make their joints flexible.
Because they are usually in a place do not have ease of movement they feel discomfort in
their joints.
Breathing problems and Sleep Apnea;
Answer
Sleep apnea is when they stop breathing in their sleep for a while and its due to the high
fatty tissues around their heart that makes it difficult for blood to flow freely. Also, this
leads to them being asthmatic because its also a breathing issue that results from being
overweight
Three reasons for the rise in childhood obesity are;
Genetics
Socioeconomic status
Less of physical activity
Three recommendations for families combating childhood obesity are;
Education and training families on healthy behavioral life style:
Childhood obesity can be battled behaviorally. Most times obesity in a child occurs
because of poor behavioral habits like eating foods high in calories and living a
sedentary life. Also, because obesity is partially a family problem, educating and training
families about the need to adopt a healthy life style especially eating right and engaging
in physical activities would go a long way to combat child obesity.
Eating Less of high calorie foods and more of foods rich in Nutrient;
Eating high Calorie foods and food and beverages that are not nutritious to the body is
also a cause for concern when it comes to child obesity. Proper meals should be chosen.
Meals that contain more of fruits and vegetables, including foods that have high fiber
should be introduced and less of fatty meals; fast foods should be cut down to the bare
minimum.
More of Physical Activities
Answer
Living a sedentary life like staying long in front of the television or screens generally can
be seen as one of the major cause of obesity in kids in this era of technology. If children
could eat healthy and are able to play, indulge in physical activities, they would be able
to burn out excess calories and stay healthy. More physical activities should be
introduced like getting enrolled in sporting activities, taking long walks and having
recreational play would help the children keep in good and healthy shape.
Childhood obesity rates have risen as a result of the increased consumption of high-fat
meals and reduced physical activity.
[TEACHERS NOTE] 2 pts for discussing psychological consequences: low selfesteem,
depression, social exclusion. 2 pts for discussing physical consequences: diabetes, heart
failure, asthma. Three reasons for increase: increased TV watching means less physical
activity, unhealthy food marketed to kids, expensive and inaccessible healthy food, lack
of physical activity, increased portion sizes, exposure to high calorie beverages. 3 pts for
ideas for helping families: eating healthier, limiting high calorie beverages, reducing TV
time, encouraging physical activity, making better food purchases, decrease portion
sizes, promoting healthy lifestyles overall, parents modeling healthier eating and
healthier behaviors, seeking help and reaching out to others for accountability.
Thoroughly answer the essay questions. Answers should be in clear, complete sentences.
Describe Kohlberg's theory of moral development. Describe the Preconventional,
Conventional, and Postconventional levels, being sure to focus on the key features of
each stage. Then, choose one of these levels and provide a detailed example of a specific
child reasoning at that level. Be sure to focus on the why behind the child's reasoning,
just like Kohlberg did. Finally, Kohlberg's theory has been critiqued for a number of
reasons. Describe one of these reasons. Then, indicate whether you think that this
critique is valid, and explain why or why not.
[TEACHERS NOTE] 3 points for describing the stages: Preconventional (focus is on self
—punishment and reward; Conventional (focus is on others—such as obeying others and
fulfilling expectations); Postconventional (higher focus, as well as group and personal
values). 3 points for an example that successfully illustrates one level. 2 points for
accurately describing a critique, and in sufficient detail. 2 points for the student's
evaluation of the critique---needs to be sufficiently detailed and accurately reflective of
the critique as well as Kohlberg's theory.
T/F: ADHD diagnoses are supposed to factor in the degree to which a child's behavior is
more severe than other children at the same age.
True
T/F: It is currently hypothesized that drug use during pregnancy may increase the
likelihood of a child having ADHD.
True
T/F: According to Piaget, children in the Concrete Operational stage can use logic but
still struggle with abstract thought.
True
T/F: Children whose parents divorced are more likely to themselves get divorced,
compared to other individuals.
True
Mark says that people shouldn't steal because they'll get in trouble and go to jail. At
what level would Kohlberg most likely categorize this response, according to his theory
of moral development?
Preconventional
Short essay questions should be answered in full sentences.
What is the most probable reason for why ADHD is typically diagnosed during the early
elementary years?
[TEACHERS NOTE] Children must now sit still in school, and inattentive and impulsive
behaviors may be more obvious then.
ADHD is typically diagnosed during the early elementary years because the gross motor
skill development occurs in early childhood.
Short essay questions should be answered in full sentences.
Name and describe two improvements from the Preoperational to Concrete Operational
stages
[TEACHERS NOTE] Two of the following need to be named and described:
Conservation (volume and matter stays the same if nothing is added or removed);
Seriation—ordering objects in a row; Classification—of animals, objects, etc.
Preoperational stage last from 2-7 years , during this stage two improvements take place
Toddlers are able to thick symbolically and they learn to play pretend play Concrete
operational stage is from ages 7-11, improvements includes Children start using logic in
this stage, marking the start of operational thought, children start to learn how things
work out like simple math problem solution and they also learn the principle of
conservation.
T/F: In middle childhood, children's heads become more proportionate with the rest of
their bodies.
True
Short essay questions should be answered in full sentences.
Describe the following two social categories of children: Prosocial popular children and
Antisocial popular children.
[TEACHERS NOTE] 2 pts for Prosocial: good communication skills, very social. 2 pts
for Antisocial: good communication and social skills, but also aggressive and
antagonistic.
Prosocial Popular Children: These are children who are liked by their peers. They get
high positive votes and they have really good social skills. They are good listeners, get
along with their peers and they do not use their popularity or social skills towards harm.
Antisocial Popular Children These children on the other hand use their social skills and
popularity in a harmful way. They could use their popularity to bully others, including
gossiping and bringing down others to get popular.
Short essay questions should be answered in full sentences.
What can parents do to increase the likelihood that children will cope optimally with a
divorce? Provide two suggestions, based on the module.
[TEACHERS NOTE] Continue good parenting practices, provide warm parent-child
interactions.
To help children cope Optimally with divorce, parents could; Adopt good and balanced
parenting styles that is the authoritative parenting style. Parents should also interact
and communicate warmly with their children
Short essay questions should be answered in full sentences.
Alex recently moved to a new middle school and doesn't feel like he fits in with any of
the cliques. Few kids know his name, and most people ignore him. By the end of the
year, not much has changed. Marcus, however, has attended this middle school for
many years. He is frequently picked on by bullies, although he in turn picks on other
children. What would be the most appropriate peer status label for Marcus, and then for
Alex?
Marcus: rejected. Alex: Neglected
Thoroughly answer the essay questions. Answers should be in clear, complete sentences.
Describe Kohlberg's theory of moral development. Describe the Preconventional,
Conventional, and Postconventional levels, being sure to focus on the key features of
each stage. Then, choose one of these levels and provide a detailed example of a specific
child reasoning at that level. Be sure to focus on the why behind the child's reasoning,
just like Kohlberg did. Finally, Kohlberg's theory has been critiqued for a number of
reasons. Describe one of these reasons. Then, indicate whether you think that this
critique is valid, and explain why or why not.
[TEACHERS NOTE] 3 points for describing the stages: Preconventional (focus is on self
—punishment and reward; Conventional (focus is on others—such as obeying others and
fulfilling expectations); Postconventional (higher focus, as well as group and personal
values). 3 points for an example that successfully illustrates one level. 2 points for
accurately describing a critique, and in sufficient detail. 2 points for the student's
evaluation of the critique---needs to be sufficiently detailed and accurately reflective of
the critique as well as Kohlberg's theory.
Preconventional: This level emphasizes external control of moral behavior, such as
punishment and reward.Conventional: This level focuses on social and societal rules
governing behavior.Postconventional: This level emphasizes internal control of moral
behavior, such as obeying one's conscience. For example, during the Holocaust, lying to
hide Jewish neighbors was okay due to the conclusions one came to based on their
conscience, culture, and specific situation. This level tends to focus on something
higher. It takes into account group and personal values.A critique of this theory was that
it was culturally biased, specifically at the postconventional level. Some responses may
be labeled at a lower level depending on culture. I agree with this critique because
western countries have a different defintion of 'justice' since they are more
individualistic in comparison to cultures who are more collectivist.
__________ is the term that Piaget used for a child's ability to order objects in a row.
a) seriation
b) conservation
c) equilibrium
d) centration
a) seriation
Children in which peer status are at the greatest risk for social and behavioral
difficulties?
The rejected status
Ritalin, a common treatment for ADHD, is an example of a/an [CHOOSE ONE:
Stimulant, Opiate, Depressant] drug.
Stimulant
T/F: Parents can help their children who have ADHD by keeping a consistent routine
and maintaining a clear schedule.
True
T/F: Parent skills training for families of individuals with ADHD can help teach parents
to use rewards and consequences to curb problem behavior.
True
________________ children receive high numbers of negative votes in research
studies on peer statuses.
a) popular
b) neglected
c) rejected
d) controversial
c) rejected
When presented with Kohlberg's Heinz dilemma, Ben says that Heinz should steal the
drug because he loves his wife and helping her shows his love for her. After all, Heinz
probably vowed at his wedding to care for her "in sickness and in health;" he should do
as he promised. Ben believes that people should keep their promises.
At what level would Kohlberg most likely categorize this response, according to his
theory of moral development?
Conventional
Short essay questions should be answered in full sentences.
According to most experts, what is the recommended treatment for ADHD?
[Teacher's note]: Medication and behavioral therapy.
Combination treatment of medication and behavioral therapy is recommended. Many
believe that the go to treatment for children is stimulant medication like Ritalin without
behavioral interventions needed for problematic behaviors, while medication can help
aid the child ability to focus and eventually pay attention , children with ADHD require
specific targeting of impulsive behaviors
T/F: Most children with ADHD have the predominately inattentive subtype
False
Categorize the following symptoms as either a symptom of Inattention or Hyperactivity
Impulsivity:
Daydreams and moves slowly
Inattention
Categorize the following symptoms as either a symptom of Inattention or Hyperactivity
Impulsivity:
Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
Inattention
Categorize the following symptoms as either a symptom of Inattention or Hyperactivity
Impulsivity:
Blurts out answers before the question is fully asked.
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity
Categorize the following symptoms as either a symptom of Inattention or Hyperactivity
Impulsivity:
Frequently forgets things.
Inattention
Categorize the following symptoms as either a symptom of inattention or hyperactivity
impulsivity:
has trouble sitting still at mealtime
hyperactivity-impulsivity
Categorize the following symptoms as either a symptom of inattention or hyperactivity
impulsivity:
frequently interrupts others
hyperactivity-impulsivity
Categorize the following symptoms as either a symptom of inattention or hyperactivity
impulsivity:
has trouble completing tasks
Inattention
Categorize the following symptoms as either a symptom of inattention or hyperactivity -
impulsivity :
talks non stop
hyperactivity-impulsivity
Categorize the following symptoms as either a symptom of Inattention or Hyperactivity
Impulsivity:
Has great difficulty waiting for his/her turn while playing games.
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity
T/F: in addition to receiving treatment for ADHD, it is recommended that kids with this
disorder should use notebook organizers to help them remember assignments
True
When presented with the Heinz dilemma, Zane says that Heinz should have stolen the
drug. The druggist was being unfair! In order to stop these unfair practices, Heinz
should steal the drug and then tell everyone how unfair the druggist was.
At what level would Kohlberg most likely categorize this response, according to his
theory of moral development?
Conventional
T/F: Rejected children tend to show less negative outcomes than neglected children,
according to peer status research
False
T/F: Neglected children tend to show less negative outcomes than rejected children,
according to peer status research
True
T/F: The effects of divorce on a child are partly dependent on the child's temperament
and other social situations in the child's life.
True
While movies may portray popular children as being obnoxious, research finds that
children in this peer status tend to be skilled in what area?
Social skills
T/F: Research indicates that girls have more negative consequences when growing up in
a single parent household, compared to boys.
False
Short essay questions should be answered in full sentences.
By what methods did Lawrence Kohlberg study moral development? Be specific in your
answer.
[TEACHERS NOTE] By interviewing children and adolescents and giving them moral
dilemmas.
Interviewing Method Moral Dilemma He used the Interviewing method to study moral
development. He introduced a Moral dilemma in the form of a story and got responses
from his subjects focusing more on the 'Why" than on the moral reasoning based on
right or wrong that is if Heinz was right in stealing the drugs to cure his wife.
Short essay questions should be answered in full sentences.
Describe the cultural critique of Piaget's theory of cognitive development. What is the
issue? Be specific.
[TEACHERS NOTE] Answers need to include two points: a) Piaget assumed that
abilities naturally unfolded, but current research supports more "nurture" explanations
and b) cultures that don't heavily emphasize scientific thinking will have children that
don't achieve the type of thinking that Piaget assessed in the concrete operational stage.
Piaget failed to realize that cultural and educational experiences were enormous and
important when it came to cognitive development. Piaget thought more as a biologist
and proposed that children's thinking and thought pattern evolves as they mature in
age. He believed that children in the concrete operational stage should have been able to
learn scientifically. whereas, if children are not taught a certain thing they do not get to
develop that aspect of their thinking. Also, in some cultures children are taught different
things and their cognitive development is geared towards the area they are taught.
Hence its possible that not all children will be able to operate in same ways as piaget
proposed that they develop in their thinking as they mature.
T/F: In early childhood and the beginning of middle childhood, boys tend to show more
advances in fine motor skills compared to girls.
False
Thoroughly answer the essay questions. Answers should be in clear, complete sentences.
Your module and the linked readings provided information on childhood obesity. What
are possible psychological and physical consequences of childhood obesity? Describe in
detail two examples of each. Name at least three reasons for the rise in childhood
obesity today. Finally, discuss in detail three recommendations for families combating
childhood obesity. Your answers should expand upon ideas presented in module
readings; that is, your answers should be informed but also reflect your own ideas on the
topic.
[TEACHERS NOTE] 2 pts for discussing psychological consequences: low self-esteem,
depression, social exclusion. 2 pts for discussing physical consequences: diabetes, heart
failure, asthma. Three reasons for increase: increased TV watching means less physical
activity, unhealthy food marketed to kids, expensive and inaccessible healthy food, lack
of physical activity, increased portion sizes, exposure to high calorie beverages. 3 pts for
ideas for helping families: eating healthier, limiting high calorie beverages, reducing TV
time, encouraging physical activity, making better food purchases, decrease portion
sizes, promoting healthy lifestyles overall, parents modeling healthier eating and
healthier behaviors, seeking help and reaching out to others for accountability.
low self-esteem, depression, and social exclusionRecommendation: behavioral,
healthier eating habits, family support and positive reinforcement
Module question: Compare and contrast physical growth in early and middle childhood.
In the cephalocaudal pattern of growth, we see development beginning with the head in
infancy and early childhood. By middle childhood, major growth can be seen in
additional areas; namely, height and weight. The child becomes more proportional in
terms of head to full body ratio. In the proximodistal pattern of growth, gross motor skill
development occurs in early childhood, while fine motor skills are more readily gained
in middle childhood.
Module question: What factors contribute to childhood obesity? What approaches can
be used to minimize childhood obesity?
There are physical contributions like genetics, but also social determinants like access to
food, stress, and adequate sleep. In terms of minimizing childhood obesity, early
education and community programs that promote access to healthy foods and physical
activity are important.
Module question: What are typical symptoms of ADHD? What are recommended
treatments?
Symptoms are broken into two categories: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive.
Inattentive symptoms involve overlooking details or making what seem to be careless
mistakes, along with being very distractable. Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms center
around inability to remain still and quiet. Children with these symptoms might be
fidgety, talk excessively, and have difficulty waiting for their turn. Treatments focus on
both behavioral therapy so they can monitor their own behavior and reward themselves
when they behave appropriately. Another major treatment type is medication, typically
stimulants.
Module question: According to Piaget, what cognitive gains or improvements are made
during the Concrete Operational Stage?
Conservation, seriation, and logical thinking.
Module question: Describe the four peer statuses and potential outcomes in adolescence
and adulthood pertaining to each.
Popular children tend to be well-liked by their peers and are often socially skilled. These
skills often continue into adulthood. Rejected children are actively disliked and some
may engage in behaviors that encourage this dislike. Rejected children are at risk for a
variety of problems in the future, such as drug use, aggression, and delinquency.
Neglected children are largely ignored by their peers, but they may in fact be socially
skilled. They seem to have similar outcomes as average children. Controversial children
receive both positive and negative votes, and outcomes for these children tend to be
mixed (some positive, some negative, depending on the child).
Module question: What are some immediate consequences of divorce?
Sharp drop in income (particularly in mother-headed households), increase in family
conflict, and changes in parenting styles, among other consequences.
Module question: How does a child's response to divorce vary according to age and
gender?
Younger children may blame themselves for the divorce or act immaturely, while older
children may act out in different ways, either through externalizing problems (rebellion,
school problems, etc.) or internalizing problems (depression, anxiety, etc.). Girls are
particularly likely to act out when a parent remarries, while boys are at risk for
externalizing problems if they are raised in a mother-headed household.
Module question: Describe all three levels of Kohlberg's moral development theory.
Preconventional reasoning emphasizes external control of moral behavior; for example,
punishment and reward.
Conventional reasoning focuses on social and societal rules governing behavior. Obeying
parents and authority figures is what is right. Kindness and justice become key concerns
at this level of reasoning.
Postconventional emphasizes internal control of moral behavior, such as obeying one's
conscience. This level of reasoning might also advocate breaking the rules in certain
situations, as when an overriding principle is more important than the rule.
Module question: What are typical criticisms of Kohlberg's theory?
Difference between moral reasoning and moral behavior, cultural bias, age bias, gender
bias.
T/F: Most children with ADHD are better able to control problem behaviors when given
individual attention.
True
T/F: According to Piaget, few children in middle childhood can perform conservation.
False
Which of Kohlberg's moral development levels emphasizes the most external control of
moral behaviors?
the preconventional level
T/F: Girls are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than boys.
False
What is the recommendation for when a family should seek a diagnosis for a child who
is suspected to have ADHD?
Seek help if parents notice that the child has trouble sitting still.
Treatments focus on both behavioral therapy so they can monitor their own behavior
and reward themselves when they behave appropriately. Another major treatment type
is medication, typically stimulants.
Approximately how long does it take families to adjust, following a divorce?
2 years
Children, on average, gain ________ lbs. per year in middle childhood.
5 to 7 pounds
T/F: Parents and teachers of children with the predominantly inattentive subtype of
ADHD can easily miss ADHD symptoms
True
_______ children tend to receive both positive and negative votes in research studies
on peer statuses
A. popular
B. neglected
C. rejected
D. controversial
D. controversial
T/F: In early childhood and the beginning of middle childhood, girls tend to show more
advances in fine motor skills compared to boys
True
Drew, a high school teacher, feels that laws should be followed so that society doesnt fall
into total anarchy. after all, it's not fair for everyone else if someone gets away with
stealing something. Obeying the law, Drew reasons, is what we all do in order to
maintain a healthy society. at what level would Kohlberg most likely categorize this
response, according to his theory of moral development
preconventional
what is the recommendation for when a family should seek a diagnosis for a child who is
suspected to have ADHD?
A. seek help when symptoms are severe
B. seek help when they interfere with the quality of life
C. seek help if parents notice that the child has trouble sitting still
D. answers A and B
B. seek help when they interfere with the quality of life
a researcher pours equal amounts of water into two glasses, one tall, and one wide.
When asked, "which has more", the preoperational child might answer "the tall one".
how would a concrete operational child respond?
they have the same amount
T/F: Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls.
True
T/F: The average age of ADHD onset is 11
False
ADHD can be diagnosed according to three diagnostic areas or subtypes. Which of the
following is NOT one of these areas?
A. inattention
B. hyperactivity-impulsivity
C. both inattentive and hyperactivity- impulsivity
D. psychotic
D. psychotic
what is the recommendation for diagnosing ADHD
A. any pediatrician is qualified to provide a diagnosis
B. families should seek a psychiatrist, or pediatrician with expertise in ADHD
C. diagnoses can only be made by pediatricians
D. none of the above
B. families should seek a psychiatrist, or pediatrician with expertise in ADHD
How does one's cultural and educational experiences influence their cognitive
development?
One's culture influences what and when you are learning specific things
what are two physical changes during middle childhood?
grow 2-3 inches and gain 5-7 pounds per year
what is an example of cephalocaudal pattern growth in middle childhood
head circumference is becoming proportionate to body
what is an example of proximodistal pattern grown in middle childhood
has now progressed from trunk to the limbs, and fine motor skills are learned
boys show greater gains in ___, girls show greater gains in ____.
gross motor skills; fine motor skills
girls with adhd are more likely to have symptoms of ____
Inattention
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of concrete operational thought?
A. the ability to reverse actions mentally
B. transitivity
C. classification skills
D. the ability to think abstractly
D. the ability to think abstractly
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding motor skill development in middle
and late childhood?
A. Boys are generally better than girls at gross motor activities.
B. Girls are generally better than boys at fine motor activities
C. Children can master the same types of motor skills as adults as long as body size isn't
a factor
D. All of the above.
E. A & B only.
D. all of the above
Tyson tells his friend Bethany that even though she didn't get caught her cheating on the
math test was wrong because cheating is against the rules. Tyson is reasoning from
which of Kohlberg's substages?
A. Social systems morality
B. Universal ethical principles
C. Heteronomous morality
D. Preconventional morality
A. social systems morality
You can also click on terms or definitions to blur or reveal them
Compare and contrast physical growth in early and middle childhood
In the cephalocaudal pattern of growth, we see development beginning with the head in
infancy and early childhood. By middle childhood, major growth can be seen in
additional areas; namely, height and weight. The child becomes more proportional in
terms of head to full body ratio. In the proximodistal pattern of growth, gross motor skill
development occurs in early childhood, while fine motor skills are more readily gained
in middle childhood
Self-reflection: What are your views of why ADHD diagnoses and rates of childhood
obesity have increased? What are the solutions?
With obesity, I believe that society has played a big role. Not only do we have a large
economic gap between the upper and middle classes but also on current American
culture, families spend more time eating out rather than making healthy meals at home.
It's hard to eat healthy at fast food restaurants and some families eat out several times a
week. This is in addition to families not being active enough. I blame part of this on
technology. Instead of playing outside with their kids, it is not uncommon for parents
these days to just leave their kids to their electronics for hours on end without even
stepping outside.
As for ADHD, I think that there hasn't necessarily been a large increase in children
suffering with it but rather just a larger number known. In the late 1900's there wasn't a
large social influence on mental health like there is today. Today parents notice more
mood changes and abnormal behaviors
What is the recommended treatment for ADHD?
medication + behavioral therapy
According to Piaget, what cognitive gains are made during the Concrete Operational
Stage?
Conservation, seriation, and logical thinking
Describe the four peer statuses and potential outcomes in adolescence and adulthood
pertaining to each
Popular children tend to be well-liked by their peers and are often socially skilled. These
skills often continue into adulthood. Rejected children are actively disliked and some
may engage in behaviors that encourage this dislike. Rejected children are at risk for a
variety of problems in the future, such as drug use, aggression, and delinquency.
Neglected children are largely ignored by their peers, but they may in fact be socially
skilled. They seem to have similar outcomes as average children. Controversial children
receive both positive and negative votes, and outcomes for these children tend to be
mixed (some positive, some negative, depending on the child).
What are some immediate consequences of divorce?
Sharp drop in income (particularly in mother-headed households), increase in family
conflict, and changes in parenting styles, among other consequences
How does a child's response to divorce vary according to age and gender?
Younger children may blame themselves for the divorce or act immaturely, while older
children may act out in different ways, either through externalizing problems (rebellion,
school problems, etc.) or internalizing problems (depression, anxiety, etc.). Girls are
particularly likely to act out when a parent remarries, while boys are at risk for
externalizing problems if they are raised in a mother-headed household
Describe all three levels of Kohlberg's moral development theory
Preconventional reasoning emphasizes external control of moral behavior; for example,
punishment and reward.
Conventional reasoning focuses on social and societal rules governing behavior. Obeying
parents and authority figures is what is right. Kindness and justice become key concerns
at this level of reasoning.
Postconventional emphasizes internal control of moral behavior, such as obeying one’s
conscience. This level of reasoning might also advocate breaking the rules in certain
situations, as when an overriding principle is more important than the rule
physical changes during middle childhood
grow 2-3" per year, gain 5-7 lbs per year, baby fat decreases/muscle mass increases
cephalocaudal pattern growth in middle childhood
head circumference is now becoming more in proportion with today body height
proximodistal pattern grown in middle childhood
has now progressed from trunk to the limbs, and fine motor skills are learned
Causes of childhood obesity
genetics, socioeconomic status, less physical activity
The recommended treatment for childhood obesity is:
behavioral
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
a disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity
that interferes with functioning or development
inattention
easily distracted, forgetfulness, disorganization
hyperactivity-impulsivity
Impulsivity - making hasty actions without first thinking about them, a desire for
immediate rewards, inability to delay gratification
Hyperactivity - seems to move about constantly, including in situations in which it is not
appropriate, excessively fidgets, taps, or talks
How is ADHD treated?
A combination of medication and behavioral therapy
How is ADHD diagnosed?
Symptoms must be chronic or long-lasting, impair the person's functioning, and cause
the person to fall behind typical development for his or her age.
concrete operational stage
in Piaget's theory, the stage of cognitive development (from about 6 or 7 to 11 years of
age) during which children gain the mental operations that enable them to think
logically about concrete events (not yet abstract thought)
Seriation
Arranging objects in sequential order according to one aspect, such as size, weight, or
volume.
How does one's cultural and educational experiences influence their cognitive
development?
One's culture influences what and when you are learning specific things. (ie. Scientific
reasoning)
"popular" children
Children who tend to be well-liked by their peers and are often socially skilled. These
skills often continue into adulthood. (2 types: antisocial popular & prosocial popular)
antisocial popular
children who defy authority and who enhance their popularity by manipulation and
exclusion; the mean kids
prosocial popular
children who perform well in schools and communicate with their peers in a positive,
friendly way; the nice kids
(60% of children)
rejected children
children who are actively disliked and some may engage in behaviors that encourage
this dislike / at risk for a variety of problems in the future, such as drug use, aggression,
and delinquency.
neglected children
rarely receive positive or negative votes, largely ignored by their peers but they may in
fact be socially skilled. They seem to have similar outcomes as average children.
consequences of divorce
drop in income, increase in family conflict, changes in parenting styles
How does a child's response to divorce vary according to age and gender?
Younger children may blame themselves for the divorce or act immaturely, while older
children may act out in different ways, either through externalizing problems (rebellion,
school problems, etc.) or internalizing problems (depression, anxiety, etc.).
Girls are particularly likely to act out when a parent remarries, while boys are at risk for
externalizing problems if they are raised in a mother-headed household.
factors that influence how a child responds to divorce: - child's age & temperament - child's gender (girls internalize, boys act out) - recent research: how the father handles the divorce
Lawrence Kolberg
stages of moral development, "The Heinz Dilemna"
Kolberg's stages of moral development
preconventional, conventional, postconventional
preconventional morality
first level of Kohlberg's stages of moral development in which the child's behavior is
governed by the consequences of the behavior (obey rules to avoid punishment or gain
concrete rewards)
Substages of preconventional reasoning
1. Obedience & Punishment - rules are seen as fixed/absolute, follow rules to avoid
punishment
2. Reciprocity/Self-interest - children judge actions based on self-interest
conventional morality
second level of Kohlberg's stages of moral development in which the child's behavior is
governed by conforming to the society's norms of behavior (Being kind and considerate
to others is what is right)
Substages of conventional reasoning
1. Developing Good Interpersonal Relationships - "good boy/good girl" choices influence
relationships
2. Maintaining Social Order - people consider society as a whole when making
judgements
postconventional morality
third level of Kohlberg's stages of moral development in which the person's behavior is
governed by moral principles that have been decided on by the individual and that may
be in disagreement with accepted social norms (internal control, obeying one's
conscience)
two stages of postconventional reasoning
1. Social Contract & Individual Rights - people begin to account for differing values,
opinions, and beliefs of others
2. Universal Principles - people follow internalized principles of justice even if they
conflict with laws and rules
criticism of Kolberg's moral reasoning scale
age bias (children have no experience in marriage, Heinze dilemna too abstract)
cultural bias (different cultures and religions may have different moral outlooks that
Kolberg didn't take into account)
overemphasizes justice (compassion, caring, and other feelings may influence moral
reasoning too)
gender bias (subjects mostly are men in western culture)
Compare Piaget and Kolberg's views.
They both agree that children aren't capable of abstract thought, and that until then,
they require reward/punishments
According to Piaget, what cognitive gains are made during the Concrete Operational
Stage?
Conservation, seriation, and logical thinking
How does a child's response to divorce vary according to age and gender?
Younger children may blame themselves for the divorce or act immaturely, while older
children may act out in different ways, either through externalizing problems (rebellion,
school problems, etc.) or internalizing problems (depression, anxiety, etc.).
Girls are particularly likely to act out when a parent remarries, while boys are at risk for
externalizing problems if they are raised in a mother-headed household.
Frequently forgets things is a symptom of?
Inattention
T/F It is currently hypothesized that drug use during pregnancy may increase the
likelihood of a child having ADHD?
True
Ritalin, a common treatment for ADHD, is an example of a/an [CHOOSE
ONE: Stimulant, Opiate, Depressant] drug?
Stimulant
True or false? The effects of divorce on a child are partly dependent on
the child's temperament and other social situations in the child's life.
True
While movies may portray popular children as being obnoxious, research
finds that children in this peer status tend to be skilled in what area?
Social skills
What is the most probable reason for why ADHD is typically diagnosed
during the early elementary years?
Children must now sit still in school, and inattentive and
impulsive behaviors may be more obvious then.
Describe the cultural critique of Piaget's theory of cognitive development.
What is the issue? Be specific.
Piaget assumed that abilities naturally unfolded, but current research supports more
"nurture" explanations and b) cultures that don't heavily emphasize scientific thinking
will have children that don't achieve the type of thinking that Piaget assessed in the
concrete operational stage
True or false? In early childhood and the beginning of middle childhood,
boys tend to show more advances in fine motor skills compared to girls.
False
Describe the following two social categories of children: Prosocial popular
children and Antisocial popular children.
Prosocial: good communicators, very social, good listeners, nice.
Antisocial: good communicators and good social skills, but
also aggressive, using social skills for harm.
What can parents do to increase the likelihood that children will cope
optimally with a divorce? Provide two suggestions, based on the module.
Effective parenting and maximizing warm parent-child interactions.
Alex recently moved to a new middle school and doesn't feel like he fits in
with any of the cliques. Few kids know his name, and most people ignore
him. By the end of the year, not much has changed. Marcus, however,
has attended this middle school for many years. He is frequently picked
on by bullies, although he in turn picks on other children. What would be
the most appropriate peer status label for Marcus, and then for Alex?
Alex = neglected
Marcus = rejected
Obesity in middle childhood essay 4 main points discussed in module: Physical,
Psychological, Why the increase, Ideas to help families, Overall what parents can do to
help.
1 Psychological consequences: low self-
esteem, depression, social exclusion.
2 Physical consequences: diabetes, heart failure, asthma.
3 Reasons for increase: increased TV watching means less
physical activity, unhealthy food marketed to kids, expensive
and inaccessible healthy food, lack of physical activity,
increased portion sizes, exposure to high calorie beverages.
4 Ideas for helping families: eating healthier, limiting
high calorie beverages, reducing TV time, encouraging
physical activity, making better food purchases, decrease
portion sizes, promoting healthy lifestyles
*Overall, parents modeling healthier eating and healthier behaviors, seeking
help and reaching out to others for accountability.
Blurts out answers before the question is fully asked is a symptom of?
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity
__________ is the term that Piaget used for a child's ability to order
objects in a row.
Seriation
Has great difficulty waiting for his/her turn while playing games a symptom of?
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity
Children in which peer status are at the greatest risk for social and
behavioral difficulties?
rejected
True or false? Research indicates that girls have more negative
consequences when growing up in a single parent household, compared
to boys.
False
By what methods did Lawrence Kohlberg study moral development? Be
specific in your answer
By interviewing children and adolescents and giving them
moral dilemmas.
Compare and contrast physical growth in early and middle childhood.
In the cephalocaudal pattern of growth, we see development
beginning with the head in infancy and early childhood. By middle childhood, major
growth can be seen in additional areas; namely, height and weight. The child becomes
more proportional in terms of head to full body ratio.
In the proximodistal pattern of growth, gross motor skill development occurs in early
childhood, while fine motor skills are more readily gained in middle childhood.
What is the recommended treatment for ADHD?
Medication + Behavioral therapy.
According to Piaget, what cognitive gains are made during the Concrete
Operational Stage?
Conservation, seriation, and logical thinking.
Describe the four peer statuses and potential outcomes in adolescence
and adulthood pertaining to each.
Popular children tend to be well-liked by their peers and are often socially skilled. These
skills often continue into adulthood.
Rejected children are actively disliked and some may engage in behaviors that
encourage this dislike. Rejected children are at risk for a variety of problems in the
future, such as drug use, aggression, and delinquency.
Neglected children are largely ignored by their peers, but they may in fact be socially
skilled. They seem to have similar outcomes as average children.
Controversial children receive both positive and negative votes, and outcomes for these
children tend to be mixed
(some positive, some negative, depending on the child)
What are some immediate consequences of divorce?
Sharp drop in income (particularly in mother-headed
households), increase in family conflict, and changes in
parenting styles, among other consequences.
How does a child's response to divorce vary according to age and
gender?
Younger children may blame themselves for the divorce or act
immaturely, while older children may act out in different ways,
either through externalizing problems (rebellion, school
problems, etc.) or internalizing problems (depression, anxiety,
etc.). Girls are particularly likely to act out when a parent
remarries, while boys are at risk for externalizing problems if
they are raised in a mother-headed household.
Describe all three levels of Kohlberg's moral development theory
Preconventional reasoning emphasizes external control of
moral behavior; for example, punishment and reward.
Conventional reasoning focuses on social and societal rules
governing behavior. Obeying parents and authority figures is
what is right. Kindness and justice become key concerns at
this level of reasoning.
Postconventional emphasizes internal control of moral
behavior, such as obeying one's conscience. This level of
reasoning might also advocate breaking the rules in certain
situations, as when an overriding principle is more important
than the rule.
Concrete operational limitation
Abstract thought
Why do boys make greater gains in gross motor skills than girls
Boy's tendency towards movement may result in more attention given to activities
emphasizing gross motor skills.
Why do girls make greater gains in fine motor skills than boys.
Girls tend to sit still and focus on fine motor skills, ie coloring
What can communities do to address obesity?
Create more places for people to walk or bike.
Messy and incomplete work is a symptom of
Inattention
How is ADHD diagnosed?
Chronic/long term symptoms, Impair function effecting school, social and job. Physical
conditions stress, sleep disorder, anxiety and depression
Two risk factors that can increase the risk of obesity in children?
Food insecurity- inability to acquire adequate food due to resources.
Food deserts- geographic areas w/o access to grocery stores.
Genetics and environment may play a role in ADHD. What are some environmental risk
factors?
Environmental = brain injuries, nutrition, and social environments
Girls are more likely to be diagnosed with which form of ADHD
Inattention- often is overlooked
Tips to help kids with ADHD
1. routines
2. organizing everyday items
3. Consistency
4. Praise/ rewards
In concrete operational stage Piaget felt children could?
Truly engage in operations or mental activities at this stage
Socioemotional Development in middle childhood peer relations look like?
Children base friendships on similarities, associate with specific set of friends
When does relational aggression increase
3rd grade
Risk factors of Divorce
1. Running away
2. Engaging in early sexual activity
3. delinquency
4. poor school performance
Criticisms for Kohlberg's theory of moral development?
1. Moral reasoning does not equal moral behavior. Knowing what we should do and
actually doing it.
2. Overemphasizes justice. Factors like compassion and caring may play an important
role in moral reasoning
3. Cultural Bias- Individualist culture emphasizes personal rights while collectivist
culture stress the importance of society and community. Collectivist cultures may have a
different outlook that Kohlberg's theory does not take into account
4. Age bias- most subjects were children (under age 16) who had no experience in
marriage making the Heinz dilemma to abstract for them to understand.
5. Gender bias- All subjects were male showing emphasis on justice versus compassion
which is indictive of woman's nature.
Categorize the following symptoms as either a symptom of Inattention or Hyperactivity
Impulsivity: Frequently forgets things.
Inattention
Categorize the following symptoms as either a symptom of Inattention or Hyperactivity
Impulsivity: Blurts out answers before the question is fully asked.
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity
True or false? ADHD diagnoses are supposed to factor in the degree to which a child's
behavior is more severe than other children at the same age.
True
True or false? It is currently hypothesized that drug use during pregnancy may increase
the likelihood of a child having ADHD.
True
__________ is the term that Piaget used for a child's ability to order objects in a row.
Seriation
True or false? Parents can help their children who have ADHD by keeping a consistent
routine and maintaining a clear schedule.
True
Ritalin, a common treatment for ADHD, is an example of a/an [CHOOSE ONE:
Stimulant, Opiate, Depressant] drug.
Stimulant
True or false? According to Piaget, children in the Concrete Operational stage can use
logic but still struggle with abstract thought.
True
Categorize the following symptoms as either a symptom of Inattention or Hyperactivity
Impulsivity: Has great difficulty waiting for his/her turn while playing games.
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity
True or false? Parent skills training for families of individuals with ADHD can help teach
parents to use rewards and consequences to curb problem behavior.
True
True or false? The effects of divorce on a child are partly dependent on the child's
temperament and other social situations in the child's life.
True
True or false? Children whose parents divorced are more likely to themselves get
divorced, compared to other individuals.
True
Children in which peer status are at the greatest risk for social and behavioral
difficulties?
rejected
________________ children receive high numbers of negative votes in research
studies on peer statuses.
Rejected
While movies may portray popular children as being obnoxious, research finds that
children in this peer status tend to be skilled in what area?
social skills
Mark says that people shouldn't steal because they'll get in trouble and go to jail. At
what level would Kohlberg most likely categorize this response, according to his theory
of moral development?
Preconventional
True or false? Research indicates that girls have more negative consequences when
growing up in a single parent household, compared to boys.
false
When presented with Kohlberg's Heinz dilemma, Ben says that Heinz should steal the
drug because he loves his wife and helping her shows his love for her. After all, Heinz
probably vowed at his wedding to care for her "in sickness and in health;" he should do
as he promised. Ben believes that people should keep their promises. At what level
would Kohlberg most likely categorize this response, according to his theory of moral
development?
conventional
Short essay questions should be answered in full sentences.
What is the most probable reason for why ADHD is typically diagnosed during the early
elementary years?
ADHD is typically diagnosed during the early