WGU D202 Human Growth and Development — Practice Exam |
2026 Latest Complete Exam Guide with Verified Questions,
Correct Answers and Detailed Explanations | A+ Graded.
1. A pregnant client asks the nurse why the earliest weeks of prenatal
development are considered particularly important. Which explanation best
describes the embryonic period?
A. It is the period when the fetus primarily gains body fat during the final weeks of
pregnancy.
B. It is the period from approximately weeks 3 through 8 when major organs and
body structures begin developing.
C. It begins at birth and continues until the infant reaches one year of age.
D. It is the period immediately before conception when reproductive cells are
developing.
Answer: B. It is the period from approximately weeks 3 through 8 when
major organs and body structures begin developing.
Explanation: Prenatal development is commonly divided into the germinal,
embryonic, and fetal periods. The embryonic period occurs approximately during
weeks 3–8 after conception and is characterized by rapid differentiation and
development of major body structures and organ systems. Because development is
occurring so rapidly during this period, exposure to certain harmful environmental
factors can have significant effects on development.
2. A developmental psychology student is comparing Piaget's stages of
cognitive development. A 4-year-old child believes that another person sees
exactly what the child sees when looking at the same object. Which concept
best explains this behavior?
A. Conservation
B. Object permanence
C. Egocentrism
D. Formal operational reasoning
Answer: C. Egocentrism
1|Page
,Explanation: Egocentrism is characteristic of Piaget's preoperational stage, which
generally occurs from approximately ages 2 to 7. Young children may have
difficulty understanding that other people can have perspectives, knowledge, or
viewpoints different from their own. Conservation develops later, while formal
operational reasoning emerges during adolescence.
3. A parent asks why an infant repeatedly searches for a toy after watching
the parent hide it underneath a blanket. Which developmental concept does
this behavior demonstrate?
A. Object permanence
B. Egocentrism
C. Formal operations
D. Conservation
Answer: A. Object permanence
Explanation: Object permanence is the understanding that an object continues to
exist even when it cannot currently be seen. Piaget associated the development of
object permanence primarily with the sensorimotor period of cognitive
development. As infants develop this ability, they begin actively searching for
objects that have disappeared from view.
4. A child in elementary school successfully understands that the amount of
water remains the same when it is transferred from a short, wide container
into a tall, narrow container. Which cognitive ability is the child
demonstrating?
A. Conservation
B. Egocentrism
C. Reflexive behavior
D. Object permanence
Answer: A. Conservation
Explanation: Conservation is the understanding that certain physical properties
remain constant despite changes in appearance or arrangement. Piaget associated
2|Page
,conservation with the concrete operational stage, generally occurring during
middle childhood. Children at this stage become increasingly capable of logical
reasoning about concrete objects and events.
5. According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, what is the
primary developmental conflict during adolescence?
A. Trust versus mistrust
B. Autonomy versus shame and doubt
C. Identity versus role confusion
D. Integrity versus despair
Answer: C. Identity versus role confusion
Explanation: Erikson proposed that adolescence is characterized by the
psychosocial conflict of identity versus role confusion. During this period,
individuals explore values, beliefs, relationships, career possibilities, and personal
goals as they develop a more stable sense of identity. Successful resolution
contributes to a stronger sense of who the individual is and what they want to
pursue.
6. A toddler insists on feeding themselves and repeatedly says, "I do it!"
According to Erikson, which developmental conflict is most relevant?
A. Autonomy versus shame and doubt
B. Industry versus inferiority
C. Identity versus role confusion
D. Generativity versus stagnation
Answer: A. Autonomy versus shame and doubt
Explanation: Erikson's autonomy versus shame and doubt stage occurs during
early childhood, when toddlers begin developing independence and control over
their actions. Allowing appropriate choices and opportunities for self-care can
promote autonomy. Excessive criticism or unnecessary restriction may contribute
to shame and doubt about the child's abilities.
3|Page
, 7. A school-age child becomes proud after successfully completing a difficult
school project and begins developing confidence in their abilities. Which
Erikson stage does this example best represent?
A. Initiative versus guilt
B. Industry versus inferiority
C. Intimacy versus isolation
D. Integrity versus despair
Answer: B. Industry versus inferiority
Explanation: Industry versus inferiority is associated with school-age
development. Children increasingly compare their abilities with those of peers and
seek opportunities to demonstrate competence. Successful experiences can
promote a sense of industry, whereas repeated failure or negative comparison may
contribute to feelings of inferiority.
8. A young adult develops a close, committed relationship while maintaining a
stable sense of personal identity. Which Erikson developmental conflict is
being successfully addressed?
A. Trust versus mistrust
B. Initiative versus guilt
C. Intimacy versus isolation
D. Integrity versus despair
Answer: C. Intimacy versus isolation
Explanation: Erikson identified intimacy versus isolation as the major
psychosocial challenge of young adulthood. Individuals who have developed a
reasonably stable identity may be better prepared to form deep, meaningful
relationships. Successful resolution involves the ability to establish close
relationships without losing one's sense of self.
9. An older adult reflects on their life and feels that, despite difficulties, their
experiences were meaningful and worthwhile. Which Erikson stage does this
best demonstrate?
4|Page
2026 Latest Complete Exam Guide with Verified Questions,
Correct Answers and Detailed Explanations | A+ Graded.
1. A pregnant client asks the nurse why the earliest weeks of prenatal
development are considered particularly important. Which explanation best
describes the embryonic period?
A. It is the period when the fetus primarily gains body fat during the final weeks of
pregnancy.
B. It is the period from approximately weeks 3 through 8 when major organs and
body structures begin developing.
C. It begins at birth and continues until the infant reaches one year of age.
D. It is the period immediately before conception when reproductive cells are
developing.
Answer: B. It is the period from approximately weeks 3 through 8 when
major organs and body structures begin developing.
Explanation: Prenatal development is commonly divided into the germinal,
embryonic, and fetal periods. The embryonic period occurs approximately during
weeks 3–8 after conception and is characterized by rapid differentiation and
development of major body structures and organ systems. Because development is
occurring so rapidly during this period, exposure to certain harmful environmental
factors can have significant effects on development.
2. A developmental psychology student is comparing Piaget's stages of
cognitive development. A 4-year-old child believes that another person sees
exactly what the child sees when looking at the same object. Which concept
best explains this behavior?
A. Conservation
B. Object permanence
C. Egocentrism
D. Formal operational reasoning
Answer: C. Egocentrism
1|Page
,Explanation: Egocentrism is characteristic of Piaget's preoperational stage, which
generally occurs from approximately ages 2 to 7. Young children may have
difficulty understanding that other people can have perspectives, knowledge, or
viewpoints different from their own. Conservation develops later, while formal
operational reasoning emerges during adolescence.
3. A parent asks why an infant repeatedly searches for a toy after watching
the parent hide it underneath a blanket. Which developmental concept does
this behavior demonstrate?
A. Object permanence
B. Egocentrism
C. Formal operations
D. Conservation
Answer: A. Object permanence
Explanation: Object permanence is the understanding that an object continues to
exist even when it cannot currently be seen. Piaget associated the development of
object permanence primarily with the sensorimotor period of cognitive
development. As infants develop this ability, they begin actively searching for
objects that have disappeared from view.
4. A child in elementary school successfully understands that the amount of
water remains the same when it is transferred from a short, wide container
into a tall, narrow container. Which cognitive ability is the child
demonstrating?
A. Conservation
B. Egocentrism
C. Reflexive behavior
D. Object permanence
Answer: A. Conservation
Explanation: Conservation is the understanding that certain physical properties
remain constant despite changes in appearance or arrangement. Piaget associated
2|Page
,conservation with the concrete operational stage, generally occurring during
middle childhood. Children at this stage become increasingly capable of logical
reasoning about concrete objects and events.
5. According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, what is the
primary developmental conflict during adolescence?
A. Trust versus mistrust
B. Autonomy versus shame and doubt
C. Identity versus role confusion
D. Integrity versus despair
Answer: C. Identity versus role confusion
Explanation: Erikson proposed that adolescence is characterized by the
psychosocial conflict of identity versus role confusion. During this period,
individuals explore values, beliefs, relationships, career possibilities, and personal
goals as they develop a more stable sense of identity. Successful resolution
contributes to a stronger sense of who the individual is and what they want to
pursue.
6. A toddler insists on feeding themselves and repeatedly says, "I do it!"
According to Erikson, which developmental conflict is most relevant?
A. Autonomy versus shame and doubt
B. Industry versus inferiority
C. Identity versus role confusion
D. Generativity versus stagnation
Answer: A. Autonomy versus shame and doubt
Explanation: Erikson's autonomy versus shame and doubt stage occurs during
early childhood, when toddlers begin developing independence and control over
their actions. Allowing appropriate choices and opportunities for self-care can
promote autonomy. Excessive criticism or unnecessary restriction may contribute
to shame and doubt about the child's abilities.
3|Page
, 7. A school-age child becomes proud after successfully completing a difficult
school project and begins developing confidence in their abilities. Which
Erikson stage does this example best represent?
A. Initiative versus guilt
B. Industry versus inferiority
C. Intimacy versus isolation
D. Integrity versus despair
Answer: B. Industry versus inferiority
Explanation: Industry versus inferiority is associated with school-age
development. Children increasingly compare their abilities with those of peers and
seek opportunities to demonstrate competence. Successful experiences can
promote a sense of industry, whereas repeated failure or negative comparison may
contribute to feelings of inferiority.
8. A young adult develops a close, committed relationship while maintaining a
stable sense of personal identity. Which Erikson developmental conflict is
being successfully addressed?
A. Trust versus mistrust
B. Initiative versus guilt
C. Intimacy versus isolation
D. Integrity versus despair
Answer: C. Intimacy versus isolation
Explanation: Erikson identified intimacy versus isolation as the major
psychosocial challenge of young adulthood. Individuals who have developed a
reasonably stable identity may be better prepared to form deep, meaningful
relationships. Successful resolution involves the ability to establish close
relationships without losing one's sense of self.
9. An older adult reflects on their life and feels that, despite difficulties, their
experiences were meaningful and worthwhile. Which Erikson stage does this
best demonstrate?
4|Page
