Life Span Development Exam 1 Ch. 1-
4(100% Correct!)
How does the text define lifespan development? What are among its areas of study? - ANSWERSThe
scientific field covering all aspects of the human life span. Among its areas of study include child
development, adult development, and gerontology.
Identify four major contexts of development listed in the text. - ANSWERSCohort, Socio-economic status,
Culture, and Gender
How has the historical view of childhood evolved into our contemporary perspective? -
ANSWERSThrough universal education and the mandatory attendance at primary school, the world for
children became a more kinder and gentler place.
How has the historical view of old age evolved into our contemporary perspective? - ANSWERSThrough
the twentieth-century life expectancy revolution and improvements in health care, there has been a
dramatic increase of longevity. This has shifted the view of grandparents being "old" to middle age.
Briefly describe the behaviorist view of development. - ANSWERSBehaviorists believed in nurture and
that through reinforcement and operant conditioning, human behavior would develop.
Briefly describe the evolutionary psychology view of development. - ANSWERSEvolutionary psychologist
believe that nature plays a huge role in development and that inborn species specific behaviors play a
huge role in human development and life.
What is the "nature vs. nurture" debate, & how does the concept of person-environment fit address this
issue? - ANSWERSThe "nature vs. nurture" debate discusses the idea that nature/genetic tendencies
shape our nurture/life experiences. • This concept fits the "person-environment fit" because it describes
the extent to which the environment is tailored to fit our biological tendencies and talents. If there is a
chance or ability to create an environment, such as society, that can bring out the best in humans than
true to "nature vs. nurture" debate we are able to better humankind.
, What is the primary focus of Piaget's theory? Briefly list the stages. - ANSWERSThe focus of Piaget's
theory is based on the idea that from infancy to adolescence, children progress through four
qualitatively different stages of intellectual growth.
0-2: Sensorimotor
2-7: Preoperations
8-12: Concrete Operations
12+: Formal Operations
What is the primary focus of Erikson's theory? Briefly list the stages. - ANSWERSErickson's primary focus
involves the challenges we face through eight stages of the life span, whether it internal or external.
• Infancy (0-1): Basic trust vs. mistrust
• Toddlerhood (1-2): Autonomy versus shame and doubt
• Early childhood (3-6): Initiative versus guilt
• Middle childhood (6-puberty): Industry versus inferiority
• Adolescence (10-20): Identity versus role confusion
• Young adulthood (20-40): Intimacy versus isolation
• Middle adulthood (40-60): Generativity versus stagnation
• Late adulthood (60+): Integrity versus despair
How do correlational research and experimental research differ? - ANSWERSCorrelational research is a
strategy that involves relating two or more variables and focusing on a relationship while experimental
research involves finding cause and effect
What is the neural tube structure? - ANSWERSA neural tube is a cylindrical structure that forms along
the back of the embryo and develops into the brain and spinal cord.
How is the age of viability typically defined? - ANSWERSAge of viability is defined as the earliest point at
which a baby can survive outside the womb.
Describe the trimester events of the pregnancy (or gestation period), including important milestones. -
ANSWERSTrimester is one of the 3 month long segments into which pregnancy is divided. Beginning first
4(100% Correct!)
How does the text define lifespan development? What are among its areas of study? - ANSWERSThe
scientific field covering all aspects of the human life span. Among its areas of study include child
development, adult development, and gerontology.
Identify four major contexts of development listed in the text. - ANSWERSCohort, Socio-economic status,
Culture, and Gender
How has the historical view of childhood evolved into our contemporary perspective? -
ANSWERSThrough universal education and the mandatory attendance at primary school, the world for
children became a more kinder and gentler place.
How has the historical view of old age evolved into our contemporary perspective? - ANSWERSThrough
the twentieth-century life expectancy revolution and improvements in health care, there has been a
dramatic increase of longevity. This has shifted the view of grandparents being "old" to middle age.
Briefly describe the behaviorist view of development. - ANSWERSBehaviorists believed in nurture and
that through reinforcement and operant conditioning, human behavior would develop.
Briefly describe the evolutionary psychology view of development. - ANSWERSEvolutionary psychologist
believe that nature plays a huge role in development and that inborn species specific behaviors play a
huge role in human development and life.
What is the "nature vs. nurture" debate, & how does the concept of person-environment fit address this
issue? - ANSWERSThe "nature vs. nurture" debate discusses the idea that nature/genetic tendencies
shape our nurture/life experiences. • This concept fits the "person-environment fit" because it describes
the extent to which the environment is tailored to fit our biological tendencies and talents. If there is a
chance or ability to create an environment, such as society, that can bring out the best in humans than
true to "nature vs. nurture" debate we are able to better humankind.
, What is the primary focus of Piaget's theory? Briefly list the stages. - ANSWERSThe focus of Piaget's
theory is based on the idea that from infancy to adolescence, children progress through four
qualitatively different stages of intellectual growth.
0-2: Sensorimotor
2-7: Preoperations
8-12: Concrete Operations
12+: Formal Operations
What is the primary focus of Erikson's theory? Briefly list the stages. - ANSWERSErickson's primary focus
involves the challenges we face through eight stages of the life span, whether it internal or external.
• Infancy (0-1): Basic trust vs. mistrust
• Toddlerhood (1-2): Autonomy versus shame and doubt
• Early childhood (3-6): Initiative versus guilt
• Middle childhood (6-puberty): Industry versus inferiority
• Adolescence (10-20): Identity versus role confusion
• Young adulthood (20-40): Intimacy versus isolation
• Middle adulthood (40-60): Generativity versus stagnation
• Late adulthood (60+): Integrity versus despair
How do correlational research and experimental research differ? - ANSWERSCorrelational research is a
strategy that involves relating two or more variables and focusing on a relationship while experimental
research involves finding cause and effect
What is the neural tube structure? - ANSWERSA neural tube is a cylindrical structure that forms along
the back of the embryo and develops into the brain and spinal cord.
How is the age of viability typically defined? - ANSWERSAge of viability is defined as the earliest point at
which a baby can survive outside the womb.
Describe the trimester events of the pregnancy (or gestation period), including important milestones. -
ANSWERSTrimester is one of the 3 month long segments into which pregnancy is divided. Beginning first
