PSYC 140 Developmental Lifespan Psychology Modules
1–8 Complete Exam & Review Bundle | Latest Update
2026/2027 | 200 Practice Questions & Detailed Answers
| Portage Learning LockDown Browser | A+ Graded
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY & THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS
(Questions 1–25)
1. Which of the following best defines lifespan development?
A) The study of cognitive changes that occur only during childhood and adolescence
B) The examination of patterns of growth, change, and stability in behavior from conception to death
C) The analysis of genetic influences on physical characteristics across generations
D) The investigation of psychological disorders and their treatment across all age groups
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lifespan development examines patterns of growth, change, and stability in behavior
throughout the entire lifespan from conception to death. This definition distinguishes it from
approaches that focus only on specific periods such as childhood or adolescence.
2. What is the primary focus of the nature versus nurture controversy in developmental psychology?
A) Whether development occurs in distinct stages or as a continuous process
B) Whether genetic inheritance or environmental experience primarily shapes human development
C) Whether early childhood experiences or later life events have greater impact on adult outcomes
D) Whether development is universal across all cultures or varies by cultural context
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The nature versus nurture controversy centers on the relative contributions of biology
(genetics, heredity) versus environment (experience, learning, culture) in shaping human development.
The other options describe different controversies including continuity versus discontinuity, stability
versus change, and universality versus cultural specificity.
3. According to Erikson, unsuccessful completion of the first psychosocial stage will most likely result in
which outcome?
A) Guilt
B) Inferiority
C) Mistrust
D) Role confusion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Erikson's first psychosocial stage, Trust versus Mistrust (infancy, birth to 18 months), centers
on whether the infant develops a sense of trust in caregivers and the world. Unsuccessful completion
results in mistrust. Guilt, inferiority, and role confusion correspond to later Eriksonian stages.
4. According to Erikson, the "terrible two's" stem from a toddler's need to assert what?
A) Initiative
B) Autonomy
C) Industry
D) Identity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The second stage is Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (18 months to 3 years). Toddlers assert
their independence, leading to the "terrible twos" as they learn to do things for themselves.
,5. Erikson used the term _______ to refer to producing something that benefits others.
A) Integrity
B) Generativity
C) Intimacy
D) Industry
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The seventh stage is Generativity vs. Stagnation (middle adulthood). Generativity involves
contributing to society and helping to guide future generations.
6. How many psychological stages did Erikson describe?
A) Five
B) Six
C) Eight
D) Ten
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Erikson's psychosocial theory describes eight stages spanning the entire lifespan from infancy
to late adulthood.
7. List the psychosexual stage described by Freud based on the age group: Birth–18 months:
A) Anal
B) Oral
, C) Phallic
D) Genital
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Freud's psychosexual stages are Oral (0–18 months), Anal (18 months–3 years), Phallic (3–6
years), Latency (6 years–puberty), and Genital (puberty–adulthood).
8. Freud, Erikson, and Piaget are considered _______ theorists, while Skinner is considered _______.
A) Continuous; discontinuous
B) Discontinuous; continuous
C) Cognitive; behavioral
D) Behavioral; cognitive
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stage theorists (Freud, Erikson, Piaget) view development as occurring in distinct stages
(discontinuous), while behaviorists like Skinner view development as a continuous process of learning.
9. Which stage theory covers the greatest breadth in the greatest detail (through late adulthood)?
A) Freud's
B) Piaget's
C) Erikson's
D) Skinner's
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Erikson's theory spans the entire lifespan and emphasizes social development more than
other theorists, incorporating development through late adulthood.
1–8 Complete Exam & Review Bundle | Latest Update
2026/2027 | 200 Practice Questions & Detailed Answers
| Portage Learning LockDown Browser | A+ Graded
MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY & THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS
(Questions 1–25)
1. Which of the following best defines lifespan development?
A) The study of cognitive changes that occur only during childhood and adolescence
B) The examination of patterns of growth, change, and stability in behavior from conception to death
C) The analysis of genetic influences on physical characteristics across generations
D) The investigation of psychological disorders and their treatment across all age groups
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lifespan development examines patterns of growth, change, and stability in behavior
throughout the entire lifespan from conception to death. This definition distinguishes it from
approaches that focus only on specific periods such as childhood or adolescence.
2. What is the primary focus of the nature versus nurture controversy in developmental psychology?
A) Whether development occurs in distinct stages or as a continuous process
B) Whether genetic inheritance or environmental experience primarily shapes human development
C) Whether early childhood experiences or later life events have greater impact on adult outcomes
D) Whether development is universal across all cultures or varies by cultural context
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The nature versus nurture controversy centers on the relative contributions of biology
(genetics, heredity) versus environment (experience, learning, culture) in shaping human development.
The other options describe different controversies including continuity versus discontinuity, stability
versus change, and universality versus cultural specificity.
3. According to Erikson, unsuccessful completion of the first psychosocial stage will most likely result in
which outcome?
A) Guilt
B) Inferiority
C) Mistrust
D) Role confusion
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Erikson's first psychosocial stage, Trust versus Mistrust (infancy, birth to 18 months), centers
on whether the infant develops a sense of trust in caregivers and the world. Unsuccessful completion
results in mistrust. Guilt, inferiority, and role confusion correspond to later Eriksonian stages.
4. According to Erikson, the "terrible two's" stem from a toddler's need to assert what?
A) Initiative
B) Autonomy
C) Industry
D) Identity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The second stage is Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (18 months to 3 years). Toddlers assert
their independence, leading to the "terrible twos" as they learn to do things for themselves.
,5. Erikson used the term _______ to refer to producing something that benefits others.
A) Integrity
B) Generativity
C) Intimacy
D) Industry
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The seventh stage is Generativity vs. Stagnation (middle adulthood). Generativity involves
contributing to society and helping to guide future generations.
6. How many psychological stages did Erikson describe?
A) Five
B) Six
C) Eight
D) Ten
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Erikson's psychosocial theory describes eight stages spanning the entire lifespan from infancy
to late adulthood.
7. List the psychosexual stage described by Freud based on the age group: Birth–18 months:
A) Anal
B) Oral
, C) Phallic
D) Genital
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Freud's psychosexual stages are Oral (0–18 months), Anal (18 months–3 years), Phallic (3–6
years), Latency (6 years–puberty), and Genital (puberty–adulthood).
8. Freud, Erikson, and Piaget are considered _______ theorists, while Skinner is considered _______.
A) Continuous; discontinuous
B) Discontinuous; continuous
C) Cognitive; behavioral
D) Behavioral; cognitive
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stage theorists (Freud, Erikson, Piaget) view development as occurring in distinct stages
(discontinuous), while behaviorists like Skinner view development as a continuous process of learning.
9. Which stage theory covers the greatest breadth in the greatest detail (through late adulthood)?
A) Freud's
B) Piaget's
C) Erikson's
D) Skinner's
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Erikson's theory spans the entire lifespan and emphasizes social development more than
other theorists, incorporating development through late adulthood.
