lOMoARcPSD|8491307
Developmental Psychology (University of South Africa)
Adulthood exam question papers and answers 2016 -2018
Pyc4805
PYC4805 ADULTHOOD EXAM QUESTION PAPERS AND ANSWERS
(MEMO)2016-2017
Contents
PYC4805 ADULTHOOD EXAM PREP 2017 1
1. Format of the examination paper; Adult Development and Aging 3
1.2 Length of answers and time allocation.........................................................................3
1.3 Questions on the information in your prescribed book................................................3
, lOMoARcPSD|8491307
2. Adult development and aging, basic guidelines 3
2.1 General guidelines for answering the questions...........................................................4
3. Syllabus Topics and Examination QuestionsNAND ANSWERS
Question 1..........................................................................................................................6
Question 2..........................................................................................................................6
Question 3..........................................................................................................................7
Question 4..........................................................................................................................8
Question 5..........................................................................................................................8
Question 6..........................................................................................................................8
Question 7..........................................................................................................................9
Question 8..........................................................................................................................9
Question 9..........................................................................................................................9
Page 1 of 141
Question 10........................................................................................................................9
Question 11......................................................................................................................10
Question 12......................................................................................................................10
Question 13......................................................................................................................10
Question 14......................................................................................................................10
Question 15......................................................................................................................11
Question 16......................................................................................................................11
Question 17......................................................................................................................11
, lOMoARcPSD|8491307
Question 18......................................................................................................................11
Question 19......................................................................................................................12
Question 20......................................................................................................................12
Question 21......................................................................................................................12
Page 2 of 141
, lOMoARcPSD|8491307
This document was developed as a personal study guide. The purpose is to use all the
information as provided in Unisa Tutorial Letter PYC4805/103/2017. For this reason, I have
included everything from page 41 of the tutorial letter to create a single document with
everything we need to know for the exams.
There are a total of 21 possible exam questions. Each question is introduced with Guidelines
for Question (-), followed by the actual question.
1. Format of the examination paper; Adult Development and Aging
Section A: Four questions for 20 marks each chosen from the questions in Tutorial Letter
103/2017 on adult development and aging; you have to answer three questions in this section.
Section B: Two questions for 15 marks each chosen from the questions in Tutorial Letter
103/2017 on adult development and aging; you have to answer one question in this section.
General remarks:
Page 3 of 141
, lOMoARcPSD|8491307
To include some of the questions in this tutorial letter which do not count either 20 or 15
marks (i.e. those questions in this tutorial letter which count for 10 marks) in the examination
paper, certain questions in the examination paper may consist of subsections. The wording of
the introductory sentence of the question(s) will be adjusted accordingly. However, it will still
be the same question(s) as given in this tutorial letter.
1.2 Length of answers and time allocation
Because handwritings and writing styles differ, we cannot specify what the length of your
examination answers should be, but we suggest that you should spend approximately 45-50
minutes per 20 mark question and 30-35 minutes per 15 mark question.
1.3 Questions on the information in your prescribed book
Of the six questions in this tutorial letter you have to answer four in the examination
paper.
Note that you only have to prepare the questions which relate to child and adolescent
development OR adult development and aging depending on your choice of syllabus and
prescribed book.
2. Adult development and aging, basic guidelines
Topics and questions are based on the information in your prescribed book:
Cavanaugh, J. C., & Blanchard-Fields, F. (2015). Adult development and aging (7th ed.).
London: Wadsworth.
Please note: The previous editions of the book (5th edition, 2006; 6th edition, 2011) cannot
be used. There are substantial changes in the 7th edition (2015). The authors made various
changes to the content based on new research findings. Although most of the questions are the
same as previous years, the answers may show significant changes due to more research that
has been included in the new edition of the book.
Page 4 of 141
, lOMoARcPSD|8491307
Start as soon as possible after you have received this tutorial letter to answer the questions.
Do not wait to start working on your preparation.
Analyse the question. For example, do you have to compare, evaluate, discuss or explain
information? See Tutorial Letter 301/2017.
Read all relevant information on the topic of the question in your prescribed book. Use our
guidelines provided for each question and the subject and author indexes in the prescribed
book.
Select only relevant information. Make sure that you do not deviate from the topic or answer
the question by means of general (popular) knowledge. Base your answer on the scientific
information in your prescribed book.
Use an effective study technique (e.g. summaries, diagrams or mind maps) to memorise the
information. Use a study technique that you are comfortable with and make sure that you
have selected all the relevant information. Answers in essay format are in most cases not a
very effective study technique.
Take time to reflect on your answers and change them as your knowledge and insight
increase.
Highlight central aspects or important information.
2.1 General guidelines for answering the questions
It is however important that you read each chapter as a whole before you answer the specific
questions. You might miss important background information if you only read the pages in
the prescribed book that we refer to in the guidelines. You will also find the questions easier
to answer if you have a broader overview and understanding of the issues involved.
The questions are often based on your understanding of various issues in the prescribed book
and it is important that you integrate all the relevant aspects into your answers. For example,
Page 5 of 141
, lOMoARcPSD|8491307
in question 2 you have to explain core issues in development at the hand of examples from the
characteristics of adult development.
This question is based on Chapter 1 of your prescribed book and you will find the explanation
of the core issues in this chapter. However, to give appropriate examples you need a broader
understanding of the rest of the book. It is therefore a good idea to go back to previous
questions and adjust them according to new knowledge that you have gained while reading
further chapters.
Analyse the question before you answer it. Students often loose valuable marks in the exams
because they give only part of an answer to a question – and this is often due to carelessness
rather than a lack of knowledge. Let’s take Question 6 as an example and analyse it:
“Discuss the influence of genetic and environmental factors as well as ethnic, gender and
international differences on longevity. In a concluding paragraph, give an example of how
the interaction between these factors could influence longevity.”
The question clearly has 3 main parts that should be reflected in your answer:
1. Longevity (where you have to explain what longevity is, how it is measured etc.);
2. The influence of genetic and environmental factors as well as ethnic, gender and
international differences on longevity; and finally
3. A relevant example to explain the interaction between the four factors that influence
longevity. (Note that the emphasis is on one example or story to show the interaction between
factors, and not 4 examples to illustrate each one!
Make use of headings when you answer the questions – also when you answer the questions
in the exams. Headings structure or organise your thoughts and it helps you to give only
information that is relevant to answer the question. Let’s use Question 6 as an example: It
would make sense to use headings such as: “What is longevity?”; “Genetic influence”;
“Environmental influence”; “Influence of ethnic differences”; “Influence of gender
differences” and “international differences”. Your final heading can be something like:
“conclusion: An example of interaction”.
Define or briefly explain concepts where necessary. Before you can discuss the influence of
the various factors on longevity, it is first of all necessary to define and explain the main
concept, namely longevity in this case.
Page 6 of 141
, lOMoARcPSD|8491307
3. Syllabus Topics and Examination Questions
Keep these general guidelines in mind when you answer the following questions. In some (but
not all cases) we will give you an indication of what we expect from you in the examinations
(this is, however, in no way an indication of which questions will be asked in the
examinations and which questions will not be asked in the examinations!). This may just give
you a general idea of what we expect from you with all our questions.
Question 1
Guidelines for Question 1
Study the information in the prescribed book, Cavanaugh and Blanchard-Fields (2015, pp. 10-
14) under the heading “Issues in studying adult development and aging”. To promote your
understanding of the nature of adult development and the topic you are going to discuss in
this question and in question 2, you should also read pages 3-10 (perspectives on adult
development and aging) with attention. (Page 4 contains an interesting insert on common
stereotypes about age.)
Hint: remember to define or explain the meaning of the various concepts in your discussion.
Use relevant examples to illustrate your answer.
Question 1
Answer the following two questions with regard to the forces that determine the nature of
development during adulthood: [20]
(a) Explain how the interaction of biological, psychological, sociocultural and life-cycle
forces shape a person’s development and, therefore, could explain individual differences in
development during adulthood. (10)
Page 7 of 141
Developmental Psychology (University of South Africa)
Adulthood exam question papers and answers 2016 -2018
Pyc4805
PYC4805 ADULTHOOD EXAM QUESTION PAPERS AND ANSWERS
(MEMO)2016-2017
Contents
PYC4805 ADULTHOOD EXAM PREP 2017 1
1. Format of the examination paper; Adult Development and Aging 3
1.2 Length of answers and time allocation.........................................................................3
1.3 Questions on the information in your prescribed book................................................3
, lOMoARcPSD|8491307
2. Adult development and aging, basic guidelines 3
2.1 General guidelines for answering the questions...........................................................4
3. Syllabus Topics and Examination QuestionsNAND ANSWERS
Question 1..........................................................................................................................6
Question 2..........................................................................................................................6
Question 3..........................................................................................................................7
Question 4..........................................................................................................................8
Question 5..........................................................................................................................8
Question 6..........................................................................................................................8
Question 7..........................................................................................................................9
Question 8..........................................................................................................................9
Question 9..........................................................................................................................9
Page 1 of 141
Question 10........................................................................................................................9
Question 11......................................................................................................................10
Question 12......................................................................................................................10
Question 13......................................................................................................................10
Question 14......................................................................................................................10
Question 15......................................................................................................................11
Question 16......................................................................................................................11
Question 17......................................................................................................................11
, lOMoARcPSD|8491307
Question 18......................................................................................................................11
Question 19......................................................................................................................12
Question 20......................................................................................................................12
Question 21......................................................................................................................12
Page 2 of 141
, lOMoARcPSD|8491307
This document was developed as a personal study guide. The purpose is to use all the
information as provided in Unisa Tutorial Letter PYC4805/103/2017. For this reason, I have
included everything from page 41 of the tutorial letter to create a single document with
everything we need to know for the exams.
There are a total of 21 possible exam questions. Each question is introduced with Guidelines
for Question (-), followed by the actual question.
1. Format of the examination paper; Adult Development and Aging
Section A: Four questions for 20 marks each chosen from the questions in Tutorial Letter
103/2017 on adult development and aging; you have to answer three questions in this section.
Section B: Two questions for 15 marks each chosen from the questions in Tutorial Letter
103/2017 on adult development and aging; you have to answer one question in this section.
General remarks:
Page 3 of 141
, lOMoARcPSD|8491307
To include some of the questions in this tutorial letter which do not count either 20 or 15
marks (i.e. those questions in this tutorial letter which count for 10 marks) in the examination
paper, certain questions in the examination paper may consist of subsections. The wording of
the introductory sentence of the question(s) will be adjusted accordingly. However, it will still
be the same question(s) as given in this tutorial letter.
1.2 Length of answers and time allocation
Because handwritings and writing styles differ, we cannot specify what the length of your
examination answers should be, but we suggest that you should spend approximately 45-50
minutes per 20 mark question and 30-35 minutes per 15 mark question.
1.3 Questions on the information in your prescribed book
Of the six questions in this tutorial letter you have to answer four in the examination
paper.
Note that you only have to prepare the questions which relate to child and adolescent
development OR adult development and aging depending on your choice of syllabus and
prescribed book.
2. Adult development and aging, basic guidelines
Topics and questions are based on the information in your prescribed book:
Cavanaugh, J. C., & Blanchard-Fields, F. (2015). Adult development and aging (7th ed.).
London: Wadsworth.
Please note: The previous editions of the book (5th edition, 2006; 6th edition, 2011) cannot
be used. There are substantial changes in the 7th edition (2015). The authors made various
changes to the content based on new research findings. Although most of the questions are the
same as previous years, the answers may show significant changes due to more research that
has been included in the new edition of the book.
Page 4 of 141
, lOMoARcPSD|8491307
Start as soon as possible after you have received this tutorial letter to answer the questions.
Do not wait to start working on your preparation.
Analyse the question. For example, do you have to compare, evaluate, discuss or explain
information? See Tutorial Letter 301/2017.
Read all relevant information on the topic of the question in your prescribed book. Use our
guidelines provided for each question and the subject and author indexes in the prescribed
book.
Select only relevant information. Make sure that you do not deviate from the topic or answer
the question by means of general (popular) knowledge. Base your answer on the scientific
information in your prescribed book.
Use an effective study technique (e.g. summaries, diagrams or mind maps) to memorise the
information. Use a study technique that you are comfortable with and make sure that you
have selected all the relevant information. Answers in essay format are in most cases not a
very effective study technique.
Take time to reflect on your answers and change them as your knowledge and insight
increase.
Highlight central aspects or important information.
2.1 General guidelines for answering the questions
It is however important that you read each chapter as a whole before you answer the specific
questions. You might miss important background information if you only read the pages in
the prescribed book that we refer to in the guidelines. You will also find the questions easier
to answer if you have a broader overview and understanding of the issues involved.
The questions are often based on your understanding of various issues in the prescribed book
and it is important that you integrate all the relevant aspects into your answers. For example,
Page 5 of 141
, lOMoARcPSD|8491307
in question 2 you have to explain core issues in development at the hand of examples from the
characteristics of adult development.
This question is based on Chapter 1 of your prescribed book and you will find the explanation
of the core issues in this chapter. However, to give appropriate examples you need a broader
understanding of the rest of the book. It is therefore a good idea to go back to previous
questions and adjust them according to new knowledge that you have gained while reading
further chapters.
Analyse the question before you answer it. Students often loose valuable marks in the exams
because they give only part of an answer to a question – and this is often due to carelessness
rather than a lack of knowledge. Let’s take Question 6 as an example and analyse it:
“Discuss the influence of genetic and environmental factors as well as ethnic, gender and
international differences on longevity. In a concluding paragraph, give an example of how
the interaction between these factors could influence longevity.”
The question clearly has 3 main parts that should be reflected in your answer:
1. Longevity (where you have to explain what longevity is, how it is measured etc.);
2. The influence of genetic and environmental factors as well as ethnic, gender and
international differences on longevity; and finally
3. A relevant example to explain the interaction between the four factors that influence
longevity. (Note that the emphasis is on one example or story to show the interaction between
factors, and not 4 examples to illustrate each one!
Make use of headings when you answer the questions – also when you answer the questions
in the exams. Headings structure or organise your thoughts and it helps you to give only
information that is relevant to answer the question. Let’s use Question 6 as an example: It
would make sense to use headings such as: “What is longevity?”; “Genetic influence”;
“Environmental influence”; “Influence of ethnic differences”; “Influence of gender
differences” and “international differences”. Your final heading can be something like:
“conclusion: An example of interaction”.
Define or briefly explain concepts where necessary. Before you can discuss the influence of
the various factors on longevity, it is first of all necessary to define and explain the main
concept, namely longevity in this case.
Page 6 of 141
, lOMoARcPSD|8491307
3. Syllabus Topics and Examination Questions
Keep these general guidelines in mind when you answer the following questions. In some (but
not all cases) we will give you an indication of what we expect from you in the examinations
(this is, however, in no way an indication of which questions will be asked in the
examinations and which questions will not be asked in the examinations!). This may just give
you a general idea of what we expect from you with all our questions.
Question 1
Guidelines for Question 1
Study the information in the prescribed book, Cavanaugh and Blanchard-Fields (2015, pp. 10-
14) under the heading “Issues in studying adult development and aging”. To promote your
understanding of the nature of adult development and the topic you are going to discuss in
this question and in question 2, you should also read pages 3-10 (perspectives on adult
development and aging) with attention. (Page 4 contains an interesting insert on common
stereotypes about age.)
Hint: remember to define or explain the meaning of the various concepts in your discussion.
Use relevant examples to illustrate your answer.
Question 1
Answer the following two questions with regard to the forces that determine the nature of
development during adulthood: [20]
(a) Explain how the interaction of biological, psychological, sociocultural and life-cycle
forces shape a person’s development and, therefore, could explain individual differences in
development during adulthood. (10)
Page 7 of 141
