PSYC 140 Module 2 | Lifespan Developmental Psychology
Exam Q&A | Portage Learning
1. A researcher plans to study the same group of individuals from birth to age 30 to
observe changes in cognitive abilities. This research design is best described as:
A) Cross-sectional
B) Longitudinal
C) Sequential
D) Correlational
Correct Answer: Longitudinal
Rationale: A longitudinal design follows the same group of individuals over an
extended period, allowing researchers to observe developmental changes within the
same participants. This design is ideal for studying stability and change across the
lifespan.
2. A researcher is comparing the motor skills of 4-year-olds, 6-year-olds, and 8-year-
olds at a single point in time. Which research design is being used?
A) Longitudinal
B) Sequential
C) Cross-sectional
D) Experimental
Correct Answer: Cross-sectional
Rationale: A cross-sectional design compares different age groups (cohorts) at a single
point in time. This design is efficient for identifying age-related differences but cannot
directly measure developmental change within individuals.
3. The three periods of prenatal development, in correct chronological order, are:
,A) Embryonic, Germinal, Fetal
B) Germinal, Embryonic, Fetal
C) Fetal, Embryonic, Germinal
D) Germinal, Fetal, Embryonic
Correct Answer: Germinal, Embryonic, Fetal
Rationale: The germinal period is the first two weeks after conception, followed by the
embryonic period (weeks 3-8), and then the fetal period (week 9 to birth). This
sequence is critical to understanding the development of the zygote, embryo, and fetus.
4. During which prenatal period does the formation of the neural tube occur, a crucial
event for brain and spinal cord development?
A) Germinal period
B) Embryonic period
C) Fetal period
D) Zygotic period
Correct Answer: Embryonic period
Rationale: The neural tube, which develops into the brain and spinal cord, forms during
the embryonic period (weeks 3-8). This is a critical period for the development of the
central nervous system.
5. A teratogen is:
A) A genetic disorder
B) A congenital malformation
C) Any environmental agent that can cause damage during prenatal development
D) A type of prenatal screening test
,Correct Answer: Any environmental agent that can cause damage during prenatal
development
Rationale: Teratogens include drugs, alcohol, infections, and environmental chemicals
that can interfere with prenatal development and cause birth defects or developmental
problems.
6. A newborn infant is placed on its mother's abdomen. The infant turns its head toward
the mother's chest and begins to make sucking movements. This is an example of which
newborn reflex?
A) Moro reflex
B) Babinski reflex
C) Rooting reflex
D) Grasping reflex
Correct Answer: Rooting reflex
Rationale: The rooting reflex is a survival reflex that helps the newborn find the nipple.
When the cheek is stroked, the infant turns its head toward the stimulus and opens its
mouth, preparing to suck.
7. At birth, an infant's vision is:
A) 20/20
B) 20/40
C) 20/200
D) 20/600
Correct Answer: 20/600
Rationale: Newborns are legally blind with vision estimated at about 20/600. They can
see objects best at a distance of about 8-12 inches, which is the distance to their
caregiver's face during feeding.
, 8. According to Piaget, the first stage of cognitive development is the:
A) Preoperational stage
B) Sensorimotor stage
C) Concrete operational stage
D) Formal operational stage
Correct Answer: Sensorimotor stage
Rationale: Piaget's sensorimotor stage spans from birth to about 2 years of age. During
this stage, infants learn about the world through their senses and motor actions,
progressing from reflexive behaviors to goal-directed activity.
9. The concept of object permanence is best described as:
A) The understanding that objects exist even when they are not visible
B) The ability to recognize oneself in a mirror
C) The tendency to attribute lifelike qualities to inanimate objects
D) The ability to think about abstract concepts
Correct Answer: The understanding that objects exist even when they are not visible
Rationale: Object permanence is a major milestone of the sensorimotor stage. It is the
understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight. This
typically develops around 8-12 months of age.
10. According to Piaget, the A-not-B error demonstrates that infants:
A) Have not yet developed object permanence
B) Have fully developed object permanence
C) Cannot distinguish between their own perspective and another's
D) Are capable of symbolic thought
Exam Q&A | Portage Learning
1. A researcher plans to study the same group of individuals from birth to age 30 to
observe changes in cognitive abilities. This research design is best described as:
A) Cross-sectional
B) Longitudinal
C) Sequential
D) Correlational
Correct Answer: Longitudinal
Rationale: A longitudinal design follows the same group of individuals over an
extended period, allowing researchers to observe developmental changes within the
same participants. This design is ideal for studying stability and change across the
lifespan.
2. A researcher is comparing the motor skills of 4-year-olds, 6-year-olds, and 8-year-
olds at a single point in time. Which research design is being used?
A) Longitudinal
B) Sequential
C) Cross-sectional
D) Experimental
Correct Answer: Cross-sectional
Rationale: A cross-sectional design compares different age groups (cohorts) at a single
point in time. This design is efficient for identifying age-related differences but cannot
directly measure developmental change within individuals.
3. The three periods of prenatal development, in correct chronological order, are:
,A) Embryonic, Germinal, Fetal
B) Germinal, Embryonic, Fetal
C) Fetal, Embryonic, Germinal
D) Germinal, Fetal, Embryonic
Correct Answer: Germinal, Embryonic, Fetal
Rationale: The germinal period is the first two weeks after conception, followed by the
embryonic period (weeks 3-8), and then the fetal period (week 9 to birth). This
sequence is critical to understanding the development of the zygote, embryo, and fetus.
4. During which prenatal period does the formation of the neural tube occur, a crucial
event for brain and spinal cord development?
A) Germinal period
B) Embryonic period
C) Fetal period
D) Zygotic period
Correct Answer: Embryonic period
Rationale: The neural tube, which develops into the brain and spinal cord, forms during
the embryonic period (weeks 3-8). This is a critical period for the development of the
central nervous system.
5. A teratogen is:
A) A genetic disorder
B) A congenital malformation
C) Any environmental agent that can cause damage during prenatal development
D) A type of prenatal screening test
,Correct Answer: Any environmental agent that can cause damage during prenatal
development
Rationale: Teratogens include drugs, alcohol, infections, and environmental chemicals
that can interfere with prenatal development and cause birth defects or developmental
problems.
6. A newborn infant is placed on its mother's abdomen. The infant turns its head toward
the mother's chest and begins to make sucking movements. This is an example of which
newborn reflex?
A) Moro reflex
B) Babinski reflex
C) Rooting reflex
D) Grasping reflex
Correct Answer: Rooting reflex
Rationale: The rooting reflex is a survival reflex that helps the newborn find the nipple.
When the cheek is stroked, the infant turns its head toward the stimulus and opens its
mouth, preparing to suck.
7. At birth, an infant's vision is:
A) 20/20
B) 20/40
C) 20/200
D) 20/600
Correct Answer: 20/600
Rationale: Newborns are legally blind with vision estimated at about 20/600. They can
see objects best at a distance of about 8-12 inches, which is the distance to their
caregiver's face during feeding.
, 8. According to Piaget, the first stage of cognitive development is the:
A) Preoperational stage
B) Sensorimotor stage
C) Concrete operational stage
D) Formal operational stage
Correct Answer: Sensorimotor stage
Rationale: Piaget's sensorimotor stage spans from birth to about 2 years of age. During
this stage, infants learn about the world through their senses and motor actions,
progressing from reflexive behaviors to goal-directed activity.
9. The concept of object permanence is best described as:
A) The understanding that objects exist even when they are not visible
B) The ability to recognize oneself in a mirror
C) The tendency to attribute lifelike qualities to inanimate objects
D) The ability to think about abstract concepts
Correct Answer: The understanding that objects exist even when they are not visible
Rationale: Object permanence is a major milestone of the sensorimotor stage. It is the
understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight. This
typically develops around 8-12 months of age.
10. According to Piaget, the A-not-B error demonstrates that infants:
A) Have not yet developed object permanence
B) Have fully developed object permanence
C) Cannot distinguish between their own perspective and another's
D) Are capable of symbolic thought
