Deck 11: Physical and Cognitive Development in Young Adulthood

Question 1

William Perry's theory of intellectual and ethical development defines nine positions,beginning with which one of the following?

A)Multiplicity
B)Postskeptical rationalism
C)Relativism
D)Strict dualism

Answer 1

D

Question 2

In light of the complex,ill-structured,unpredictable and uncontrollable problems individuals face in adulthood,what type of thinking is considered to be more sophisticated for problem solving?

A)Dualistic
B)Oppositional
C)Transitional
D)Relativistic

Answer 2

D

Question 3

During emerging adulthood,African Americans in particular are likely to experience (in college and the workplace)which of the following?

A)Decrease in incidence of discrimination
B)Early identity achievement status
C)Decrease in ethnic diversity of their environment
D)Increase in identity issues

Answer 3

D

Question 4

in the U.S. ,the nature of an extended period of transition during the early years of young adulthood is characterized by which of the following?

A)Rejection of social norms and values
B)Questioning of peer influences
C)Examination of childhood indulgences
D)Exploration of potential adult identities

Question 5

Some studies indicate that reflective judgment is enhanced by all of the following EXCEPT:

A)Higher education
B)Environmental pressures
C)Training in reasoning skills
D)Modeling and practice of reasoning skills

Question 6

How do sociologists classify actions like entry into marriage and becoming a parent?

A)As social constructions
B)As dualistic decisions
C)As adult rituals
D)As marker events

Question 7

Many scholars refer to the period from about 18 to 30 as young adulthood,but Arnett views the period between ages 18 and 25 as a distinct stage of life that he calls

A)post adolescence.
B)adolescent extension.
C)emerging adulthood.
D)late adolescence.

Question 8

According to Arnett's research with young people in the U.S. ,when do most individuals perceive that they have reached adult status?

A)18 to 20 years of age
B)20 to 22 years of age
C)Around the age of 24
D)Late 20s to early 30s

Question 9

Agnes and Paul,both 19 years of age,got married right after their high school graduation in 1945.Their first child was born a year later,when they were 20.Agnes,like most other young women she knew,stayed home to raise her children.Paul found a good job at a nearby food processing plant.Given their generation,which of the following best defines this couple's stage of life at the age of 20?

A)Agnes and Paul were enmeshed adults because they were still relatively young and not completely autonomous.
B)Agnes and Paul were adults because they were married and had a child.
C)Agnes and Paul were not adults because they were not 21 years of age.
D)Agnes and Paul belong in the category called "youth," because they continued to explore possibilities.

Question 10

According to respondents in Arnett's research with young people in the U.S. ,the two most important qualifications for reaching adult status include which one of the following?

A)Being responsible for the outcomes of your actions
B)Accepting decisions made by others on your behalf
C)Taking steps toward financial independence
D)Becoming a parent

Question 11

What logical thinking error is exhibited when a person refutes well-documented evidence by countering with information about one exception to the well-founded premise?

A)The "person who" fallacy
B)Externalizing behavior
C)Internalizing behavior
D)Generalization error

Question 12

According to Perry's theory,what position in intellectual development is marked by rejection of the idea of an absolute truth,acceptance of authority figures as colleagues,and a belief that ideas can be evaluated on the basis of evidence?

A)Position 2,multiplicity (prelegitimate)
B)Position 3,early multiplicity
C)Position 4,late multiplicity
D)Position 5,contextual relativism

Question 13

During adolescence,the use of substances is higher among Whites than among African Americans,but the pattern reverses in adulthood (higher use among African Americans).This differential pattern reverses with suicide rates.For White males,suicide rates rise through adulthood;for Black males,suicide rates peak in early adulthood and then drop.What sociological term defines these patterns?

A)Minority dilemma
B)Crossover effect
C)Subculture divide
D)Racial paradox

Question 14

During what period of physical development do all of the body's biological systems reach their peak potential?

A)Age 18-21
B)Age 22-25
C)Age 18-30
D)Age 25-40

Question 15

Kitchener and her associates proposed a seven-stage theory that examines the emergence of yet another type of development-stage one being "knowledge limited to single concrete instances." What is the focus of their seven-stage theory?

A)Development of moral judgment
B)Development of argumentation
C)Development of problem analysis
D)Development of reflective judgment

Question 16

Globalization appears to be largely responsible for spreading which of the following aspects of emerging adulthood?

A)Career stability
B)Early identification of a career path
C)Extended self-exploration
D)Early attainment of financial autonomy

Question 17

What percentage of young adults in the U.S.transition to college after high school?

A)Around 70%
B)More than 65%
C)Just over 50%
D)Fewer than 50%

Question 18

Schaie's theory,emphasizing the new roles,needs,and responsibilities of adulthood,identifies several stages of adult cognitive development.What label is used for the stage of cognitive development most individuals experience as young adults?

A)Acquisition stage
B)Responsible stage
C)Achieving stage
D)Ill-defined stage

Question 19

Scholars may disagree about the age or point in time when an individual reaches adulthood.Viewing adulthood in the U.S.from a current sociological perspective,which of the following conclusions is accurate?

A)Reaching adulthood is based on marker events such as getting married.
B)Individuals reach adulthood later today than in earlier points in history.
C)Completing one's education and entering the workforce marks adulthood.
D)Adulthood begins when brain development is complete.

Question 20

Stage theorists,borrowing from Piaget's work,propose a fifth stage of cognitive development that emerges in adulthood,and it is called what?

A)Postadolescent stage of logic
B)Abstractism
C)Postformal stage
D)Structural stage

Question 21

Doug,Diana,Tyrone,Nidia and Louis all have different viewpoints on the evolution versus creationism debate.Louis displays contextual relativism in his thinking (Position 5).Which of the following statements would be most illustrative of Louis's viewpoint?

A)It doesn't matter which idea you believe because nobody's ideas are certain.
B)Although we don't know for certain,I understand the way scientists look at the question.
C)Both creationism and evolution are right.
D)I believe what my teachers taught me.

Question 22

Doug,Diana,Tyrone,Nidia and Louis all have different viewpoints on the evolution versus creationism debate.Nidia is at Position 4 (late multiplicity).Which of the following statements would be most illustrative of Nidia's viewpoint?

A)Life was created through evolution.There is no other possible answer.
B)I believe that God created the world,but others don't agree with me.
C)I believe you should choose to make a commitment to what you believe.
D)It doesn't matter which idea you believe,because even experts disagree.

Question 23

Doug,Diana,Tyrone,Nidia and Louis all have different viewpoints on the evolution versus creationism debate.Diana is operating at Position 2 (multiplicity pre-legitimate).Which of the following statements would be most illustrative of Diana's viewpoint?

A)It doesn't matter which one you believe.
B)I believe that God created the world,there is simply no other possibility.
C)I don't believe that God created the world because it's not possible.
D)I'm not sure yet,but my professor will be able to clarify positions for me.

Question 24

Jane is a new therapist who works with couples and families.Her decision was motivated by her sister Melinda's experience of spousal abuse.When Jane meets with her supervisor to review cases,he points out that Jane takes sides with her female clients when they cry or describe intense conflicts with their husbands.She believes her supervisor is blind to the signs of abuse.According to Kitchener's theory,on what assumption is Jane operating?

A)Determination of abuse is difficult to ascertain and must be tested in each situation.
B)Determination of abuse should only be reached after consultation with expert supervisors.
C)Determination of abuse can be made if one has some personal experience.
D)Determination of abuse should be based on the context.

Question 25

Doug,Diana,Tyrone,Nidia and Louis all have different viewpoints on the evolution versus creationism debate.Tyrone reasons in Position 3 (early multiplicity).Which of the following statements would be most illustrative of Tyrone's viewpoint?

A)God created the world.I don't know anything about evolution.
B)I believe God created the world.My professor disagrees but she isn't always right.
C)Evolution is the right answer because it's scientific.
D)It doesn't matter which one you believe.

Question 26

Which of the following is the best example of fifth-stage thinking?

A)Josh evaluates arguments of those who favor and those who oppose the death penalty and finds both arguments unconvincing.
B)Trevor solves a complicated equation in abstract mathematics.
C)Carrie listens with great empathy and concern to her counseling client.
D)Kendra learns about three different religions and recognizes their consistency and appeal.

Question 27

One traditional role of counselors is to help people make decisions.Young adult clients who are still dualistic thinkers may have which of the following problems in this process?

A)They may believe there are too many solutions to consider.
B)They may believe that problems have no solution.
C)They may become anxious if there is uncertainty about the best solution.
D)They may come to a foreclosed decision before exploring options.

Question 28

A counselor helping a young adult client with procrastination must recognize that this problem can have many sources.In young adulthood,one common developmental source is

A)relativistic thinking.
B)actuarial prediction.
C)poor self-management skills.
D)the personal fable.

Question 29

Perry's theory holds that the college experience fosters cognitive development because

A)students build on the cognitive skills they developed in high school.
B)students confront diverse beliefs and arrive at personal commitments.
C)students learn from professors who embody intellectual authority.
D)students learn to value their own opinions and values from their background.

Question 30

Arnett's research suggests that young adults today believe that qualifications for adulthood is determined

A)by the timing of achievements,such as marriage and parenthood.
B)on the basis of reaching a certain age.
C)on the basis of their parents' definition of adulthood.
D)on the basis of taking responsibility and making independent decisions.

Question 31

Doug,Diana,Tyrone,Nidia and Louis all have different viewpoints on the evolution versus creationism debate.According to Perry's scheme,Doug's thinking is dualistic (Position 1).Which of the following statements would be most illustrative of Doug's viewpoint?

A)God created the world.There is no other possibility.
B)I believe that God created the world,but others don't agree with me.
C)I believe parts of both ideas can be true.
D)It doesn't matter which one you believe in.

Question 32

Studies of brain activity during the early adult years suggest which of the following?

A)Slowing of executive functions
B)Decrease in flexibility
C)Decrease in learning ability
D)Increase in inhibitory control

Question 33

Donna runs a day care center.After many years of hard work,the business has grown and provides a steady income.Donna's daughter,Elaine,has asked Donna to give her a loan for a down payment on a business of her own.In order to provide this loan,Donna would have to cut expenses at the day care center,including reducing staff by at least two employees.Based on what you know about Donna,what is her stage of cognitive development according to Schaie's view of adult adjustment?

A)The fifth stage of cognitive development.
B)The executive stage
C)The achieving stage
D)The acquisition stage

Question 34

Jane is a new therapist who works with couples and families.Her decision was motivated by her sister Melinda's experience of spousal abuse.When Jane meets with her supervisor to review cases,he points out that Jane takes sides with her female clients when they cry or describe intense conflicts with their husbands.She believes her supervisor is blind to the signs of abuse.What critical thinking pitfall do Jane's reactions show?

A)Over-reliance on the vividness effect
B)Over-reliance on the idiosyncrasy effect
C)Over-reliance on probabilistic thinking
D)Over-reliance on the placebo effect

Question 35

Which of these most closely aligns with the definition of relativistic thought according to Perry's views?

A)In relativistic thinking,every person has a right to his or her own opinion and no one should openly reject another's ideas.
B)Relativistic thinking involves recognizing that one view is as valid as another.
C)Relativistic thinking is a stage that supersedes the ability to see inherent contradictions.
D)Relativistic thinking implies comparing merits of different perspectives and finding convincing elements in multiple views.

Question 36

Counselors should know that the period between the ages of 15 and 24 is

A)a time when good mental health is at its peak,with the lowest rates of depression or other major mental health problems.
B)the time of highest prevalence rate for depression across the life span.
C)a time that is not significantly different from any other time of adulthood with regard to depression,but when clients may face many transitions.
D)a time when most learning processes slow down significantly.
Essay Questions (Chapter 11)

Question 37

Donna runs a day care center.After many years of hard work,the business has grown and provides a steady income.Donna's daughter,Elaine,has asked Donna to give her a loan for a down payment on a business of her own.In order to provide this loan,Donna would have to cut expenses at the day care center,including reducing staff by at least two employees.What is the primary characteristic that points to a particular stage of cognitive functioning in Donna's case?

A)She must consider how her decision will affect many people.
B)She is working to earn an income and acquire more assets.
C)She considers what has given her life meaning and purpose.
D)She focuses on her personal needs and goals.

Question 38

Which of the following individuals is most likely in the reorganizational stage according to Schaie's view of adult adjustment?

A)A 20-year-old carpenter's apprentice
B)A 25-year-old single mother
C)A 45-year-old businessman
D)A 62-year-old truck driver

Question 39

Donna runs a day care center.After many years of hard work,the business has grown and provides a steady income.Donna's daughter,Elaine,has asked Donna to give her a loan for a down payment on a business of her own.In order to provide this loan,Donna would have to cut expenses at the day care center,including reducing staff by at least two employees.Based on what you know about Elaine,what is her stage of cognitive development according to Schaie's view of adult adjustment?

A)The fifth stage of cognitive development
B)The acquisition stage
C)The achieving stage
D)The executive stage

Question 40

Donna runs a day care center.After many years of hard work,the business has grown and provides a steady income.Donna's daughter,Elaine,has asked Donna to give her a loan for a down payment on a business of her own.In order to provide this loan,Donna would have to cut expenses at the day care center,including reducing staff by at least two employees.What is the primary characteristic that points to a particular stage of cognitive functioning in Elaine's case?

A)She tries to decide how to make a living for herself.
B)She focuses her concerns on other people in her life for whom she is responsible.
C)She has developed logical thinking abilities.
D)She lets others take the consequences for her decisions.

Question 41

Using Perry's theory,describe what processes help individuals move from dualistic to relativistic thinking.

Question 42

Discuss how and why interpersonal therapy (IPT)may be useful in helping young adults who are suffering from depression.Consider what role development is assigned in the generation of depression in this therapeutic approach,what role context plays,and what the IPT therapist's view of enduring cognitive structures in the young adult's depression may be.

Question 43

List three pitfalls counselors need to avoid in their decision making with clients.Give examples of each.

Question 44

Theorists like Sinnott describe a fifth cognitive stage often called post-formal thought,whereas theorists like Schaie argue that there isn't a new stage of thought in adulthood but rather new kinds of problems to solve.Describe the differences between these perspectives.