Developmental Psychology Final Exam 2026 | Questions
with Detailed Explanations
1. What is the primary focus of developmental psychology?
Answer:
Developmental psychology studies how people grow, change, and adapt throughout their
lifespan physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially.
Explanation:
Developmental psychologists examine changes from infancy to old age. They study areas
such as language development, emotional growth, personality formation, learning, and
aging. The field helps explain how heredity and environment influence human behavior over
time.
2. Which theorist developed the stages of cognitive development?
A. Erik Erikson
B. Jean Piaget
C. Sigmund Freud
D. B.F. Skinner
Answer:
B. Jean Piaget
Explanation:
Jean Piaget proposed that children move through four stages of cognitive development:
Sensorimotor
Preoperational
Concrete operational
Formal operational
Each stage represents a different way of thinking and understanding the world.
3. During which Piaget stage does object permanence develop?
A. Formal operational
B. Sensorimotor
C. Concrete operational
,D. Preoperational
Answer:
B. Sensorimotor
Explanation:
Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when out of
sight. Infants develop this skill during the sensorimotor stage, usually around 8–12 months
of age.
4. What is attachment in developmental psychology?
Answer:
Attachment is the emotional bond between a child and caregiver.
Explanation:
Secure attachment helps children develop trust, confidence, and healthy social relationships.
Insecure attachment may contribute to anxiety, fearfulness, or relationship difficulties later
in life.
5. Who developed the psychosocial stages of development?
A. Albert Bandura
B. Erik Erikson
C. Lev Vygotsky
D. John Watson
Answer:
B. Erik Erikson
Explanation:
Erik Erikson proposed eight psychosocial stages that span the entire lifespan. Each stage
involves a conflict that must be resolved for healthy development.
6. Trust vs. Mistrust occurs during which stage of Erikson’s theory?
A. Adolescence
B. Infancy
C. Middle adulthood
D. Preschool age
, Answer:
B. Infancy
Explanation:
Infants learn whether the world is safe and dependable based on caregiver responsiveness.
Consistent care leads to trust, while neglect may result in mistrust.
7. What is the main idea of nature versus nurture?
Answer:
It examines whether genetics (nature) or environment (nurture) has a greater influence on
development.
Explanation:
Most psychologists today believe development results from interaction between biological
factors and environmental experiences.
8. Which parenting style is associated with high warmth and high control?
A. Neglectful
B. Permissive
C. Authoritarian
D. Authoritative
Answer:
D. Authoritative
Explanation:
Authoritative parents set clear rules while remaining supportive and responsive. This
parenting style is linked to independence, confidence, and strong social skills in children.
9. What is adolescence?
Answer:
Adolescence is the developmental period between childhood and adulthood.
Explanation:
It includes physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes. Puberty is a major biological
component of adolescence.
10. Which part of development involves changes in thinking, memory, and problem-solving?
with Detailed Explanations
1. What is the primary focus of developmental psychology?
Answer:
Developmental psychology studies how people grow, change, and adapt throughout their
lifespan physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially.
Explanation:
Developmental psychologists examine changes from infancy to old age. They study areas
such as language development, emotional growth, personality formation, learning, and
aging. The field helps explain how heredity and environment influence human behavior over
time.
2. Which theorist developed the stages of cognitive development?
A. Erik Erikson
B. Jean Piaget
C. Sigmund Freud
D. B.F. Skinner
Answer:
B. Jean Piaget
Explanation:
Jean Piaget proposed that children move through four stages of cognitive development:
Sensorimotor
Preoperational
Concrete operational
Formal operational
Each stage represents a different way of thinking and understanding the world.
3. During which Piaget stage does object permanence develop?
A. Formal operational
B. Sensorimotor
C. Concrete operational
,D. Preoperational
Answer:
B. Sensorimotor
Explanation:
Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when out of
sight. Infants develop this skill during the sensorimotor stage, usually around 8–12 months
of age.
4. What is attachment in developmental psychology?
Answer:
Attachment is the emotional bond between a child and caregiver.
Explanation:
Secure attachment helps children develop trust, confidence, and healthy social relationships.
Insecure attachment may contribute to anxiety, fearfulness, or relationship difficulties later
in life.
5. Who developed the psychosocial stages of development?
A. Albert Bandura
B. Erik Erikson
C. Lev Vygotsky
D. John Watson
Answer:
B. Erik Erikson
Explanation:
Erik Erikson proposed eight psychosocial stages that span the entire lifespan. Each stage
involves a conflict that must be resolved for healthy development.
6. Trust vs. Mistrust occurs during which stage of Erikson’s theory?
A. Adolescence
B. Infancy
C. Middle adulthood
D. Preschool age
, Answer:
B. Infancy
Explanation:
Infants learn whether the world is safe and dependable based on caregiver responsiveness.
Consistent care leads to trust, while neglect may result in mistrust.
7. What is the main idea of nature versus nurture?
Answer:
It examines whether genetics (nature) or environment (nurture) has a greater influence on
development.
Explanation:
Most psychologists today believe development results from interaction between biological
factors and environmental experiences.
8. Which parenting style is associated with high warmth and high control?
A. Neglectful
B. Permissive
C. Authoritarian
D. Authoritative
Answer:
D. Authoritative
Explanation:
Authoritative parents set clear rules while remaining supportive and responsive. This
parenting style is linked to independence, confidence, and strong social skills in children.
9. What is adolescence?
Answer:
Adolescence is the developmental period between childhood and adulthood.
Explanation:
It includes physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes. Puberty is a major biological
component of adolescence.
10. Which part of development involves changes in thinking, memory, and problem-solving?
