PSYC 140 Modules 1-8 Complete Lock Down
Exam 2026 | Questions & Answers with
Rationales | Developmental Psychology |
Instant Download
Module 1: Foundations of Developmental Psychology & Research Methods
(Questions 1–20)
Question 1
According to Paul Baltes, which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the lifespan
perspective?
A. Development is lifelong
B. Development is multidimensional
C. Development is primarily determined by genetics
D. Development is plastic
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The lifespan perspective emphasizes that development is lifelong,
multidimensional, multidirectional, plastic, multidisciplinary, and contextual. It does not claim
that genetics alone determine development; rather, it acknowledges the interaction of
biological, cognitive, and socioemotional factors .
,Question 2
Which research method is the only one that can establish cause-and-effect relationships?
A. Correlational study
B. Naturalistic observation
C. Experimental method
D. Case study
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The experimental method is unique because it involves manipulating an
independent variable and controlling extraneous variables, allowing researchers to
determine causation. Correlational studies can only show relationships, not causation .
Question 3
A researcher is interested in studying how memory changes across the lifespan by testing
participants aged 20, 40, 60, and 80 at the same point in time. Which research design is
being used?
A. Longitudinal design
B. Sequential design
C. Cross-sectional design
D. Case study
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A cross-sectional design compares different age groups at a single point in time,
allowing researchers to examine age-related differences without waiting years for
participants to age .
Question 4
Dr. Martinez believes that development occurs in distinct, qualitatively different stages,
much like climbing a staircase. Which developmental perspective best describes this view?
A. Continuous development
B. Discontinuous development
C. Multidirectional development
D. Plastic development
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Discontinuous development views growth as occurring in distinct stages with
qualitative changes between stages, in contrast to continuous development which sees
growth as gradual and cumulative .
Question 5
, In a developmental study, researchers randomly assign pregnant women to either a
meditation group or a control group to measure effects on infant birth weight. What type of
research method is this?
A. Correlational research
B. Naturalistic observation
C. Experimental research
D. Case study
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Experimental research involves random assignment to conditions and
manipulation of an independent variable (meditation) to examine causal effects on a
dependent variable (birth weight) .
Question 6
Which ethical principle requires that researchers fully explain the purpose and procedures of
a study to participants after data collection is complete?
A. Informed consent
B. Confidentiality
C. Debriefing
D. Anonymity
Correct Answer: C
Exam 2026 | Questions & Answers with
Rationales | Developmental Psychology |
Instant Download
Module 1: Foundations of Developmental Psychology & Research Methods
(Questions 1–20)
Question 1
According to Paul Baltes, which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the lifespan
perspective?
A. Development is lifelong
B. Development is multidimensional
C. Development is primarily determined by genetics
D. Development is plastic
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The lifespan perspective emphasizes that development is lifelong,
multidimensional, multidirectional, plastic, multidisciplinary, and contextual. It does not claim
that genetics alone determine development; rather, it acknowledges the interaction of
biological, cognitive, and socioemotional factors .
,Question 2
Which research method is the only one that can establish cause-and-effect relationships?
A. Correlational study
B. Naturalistic observation
C. Experimental method
D. Case study
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The experimental method is unique because it involves manipulating an
independent variable and controlling extraneous variables, allowing researchers to
determine causation. Correlational studies can only show relationships, not causation .
Question 3
A researcher is interested in studying how memory changes across the lifespan by testing
participants aged 20, 40, 60, and 80 at the same point in time. Which research design is
being used?
A. Longitudinal design
B. Sequential design
C. Cross-sectional design
D. Case study
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A cross-sectional design compares different age groups at a single point in time,
allowing researchers to examine age-related differences without waiting years for
participants to age .
Question 4
Dr. Martinez believes that development occurs in distinct, qualitatively different stages,
much like climbing a staircase. Which developmental perspective best describes this view?
A. Continuous development
B. Discontinuous development
C. Multidirectional development
D. Plastic development
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Discontinuous development views growth as occurring in distinct stages with
qualitative changes between stages, in contrast to continuous development which sees
growth as gradual and cumulative .
Question 5
, In a developmental study, researchers randomly assign pregnant women to either a
meditation group or a control group to measure effects on infant birth weight. What type of
research method is this?
A. Correlational research
B. Naturalistic observation
C. Experimental research
D. Case study
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Experimental research involves random assignment to conditions and
manipulation of an independent variable (meditation) to examine causal effects on a
dependent variable (birth weight) .
Question 6
Which ethical principle requires that researchers fully explain the purpose and procedures of
a study to participants after data collection is complete?
A. Informed consent
B. Confidentiality
C. Debriefing
D. Anonymity
Correct Answer: C
