Question 1

George attends a rural middle school in Virginia. On standardized achievement tests given in George's school, the school average is near the national average. George's friend Harold attends an elite private school in Washington, D.C. The average score of students at Harold's school on the same achievement measure is well above the national average. According to Marsh, George is more likely to feel better about his abilities than does Harold, even though both boys received high scores on the test. What developmental concept is illustrated?

Accepted Answer

The concept illustrated is "Big Fish, Little Pond," which refers to the idea that individuals are more likely to feel better about their abilities when they are high achievers in a relatively low-achieving context, as opposed to being high achievers in a high-achieving context. In this case, George is a high achiever compared to his school average, whereas Harold is a high achiever in a school where the average is even higher, making him more likely to feel that his abilities are not as exceptional.

Question 2

By definition, self-esteem is associated with

Accepted Answer

Self-esteem is all about how much value a person places on themselves. It is not necessarily tied to academic skillset or other people's opinions, but rather one's own perception of their self-worth. Choice A and D are both incorrect as they focus on external factors rather than internal perceptions. Choice B is partially correct, as others' opinions can certainly influence one's self-esteem, but ultimately the individual's own judgment of themselves is what determines their self-esteem.

Question 3

Based on recent studies, which of the following children is likely to have the greatest difficulty with assessing the intention of others?

Accepted Answer

According to research, children who display high levels of aggression, such as Enid in this scenario, may have difficulty with assessing the intentions of others. This is because they tend to view others' behavior as hostile and may interpret ambiguous or neutral actions as aggressive. The other children (Bart, Liliana, and Philip) do not have indications that they may have difficulty in assessing the intentions of others, based on the given information.

Question 4

The development of children's self-concept evolves by means of

Accepted Answer

Children's self-concept develops through constant self-evaluation in many different situations, as they compare their own abilities, thoughts, and feelings to those of others around them. This process of self-evaluation helps them form an understanding of their own identity and abilities.

Question 5

The difference between self-concept and self-esteem is that

Accepted Answer

Self-concept refers to our beliefs, thoughts, and perceptions about ourselves, while self-esteem refers to our overall evaluation or judgment of our worth or value as a person. Therefore, self-concept is a cognitive structure, while self-esteem is more of an affective reaction based on these beliefs and perceptions.

Question 6

Seventeen-year-old Carl has considered several career options and has developed a firm career goal. Carl is experiencing

Accepted Answer

Identity achievement refers to the stage in which an individual has explored various career options and has made a firm commitment to one. Carl's consideration of various career options and development of a firm career goal suggests that he has reached identity achievement. The other options, identity diffusion (lack of commitment or exploration), identity foreclosure (premature commitment without exploration), and moratorium (exploration without firm commitment), do not fit Carl's situation as well.

Question 7

Which of James Marcia's categories of identity status is characterized by gradual exploration and a delay in commitment to personal and occupational choices?

Accepted Answer

The identity status characterized by gradual exploration and a delay in commitment to personal and occupational choices is called moratorium.

Question 8

Sue is presented with a moral dilemma and responds that she would act in a certain way to please her parents. The moral reasoning stage reflected is

Accepted Answer

Sue's response indicates that she is motivated by societal norms and values, specifically pleasing her parents, which is characteristic of the conventional stage of moral reasoning. In this stage, individuals follow rules and norms of society in order to gain approval from others or to maintain the social order.

Question 9

Which of the following is a statement of self-concept?

Accepted Answer

Statement D is a statement of self-concept because it reflects the individual's perception of their own abilities and strengths in a specific area (solving math problems) contrasted with their perceived weakness in another area (solving interpersonal conflicts). Statements A, B, and C convey information about experiences or preferences, but they do not reflect the individual's perception of themselves.

Question 10

The implication of the "Big Fish, Little Pond" idea is that

Accepted Answer

The "Big Fish, Little Pond" idea suggests that children in "average" schools may feel better about their own abilities than those in "high-ability" schools because they are comparing themselves to a smaller pool of high-achievers. This can lead to a boost in self-concept and confidence. The other options are not supported by the concept.

Question 11

Which one of the following students is expected to have the highest self-esteem?

Accepted Answer

Richard won Best-of-Class in a statewide modelling competition, which indicates that he had a talent or skill that was recognized by others, leading to a sense of accomplishment and validation. This can contribute to higher self-esteem.

Question 12

The school and the neighbourhood first become highly important influences during what Eriksonian stage?

Accepted Answer

The stage in question is industry vs. inferiority, which occurs between ages 6 and 12. During this stage, children begin to become more involved in their social environments and develop a sense of self-worth based on their accomplishments and interactions with peers. This includes their experiences in school and their neighbourhood, which can greatly influence their sense of competence and value.

Question 13

Frank said, "If I were starving, I'd steal a loaf of bread, but it would be wrong and against the law." According to Kohlberg's theory of moral development, what level of moral reasoning does Frank demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

Frank's reasoning reflects the Conventional level, where he acknowledges societal laws and norms, understanding that stealing is wrong despite his personal needs.

Question 14

Ever since Maida was a child, her parents talked about the possibility of her becoming a doctor. They brought her chemistry sets and equipment, such as stethoscopes and tongue depressors. When Maida entered college, she enrolled in the pre-medical program without even considering other options. What category of identity status is she exhibiting?

Accepted Answer

Maida is exhibiting identity foreclosure because she has accepted her parents' expectations without considering other options. She has not explored different paths or possibilities for her future.

Question 15

Programs designed to increase students' self-esteem such as "Student of the Month" have

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that programs like "Student of the Month" have limited and short-term effects on increasing self-esteem. More comprehensive and long-term approaches are needed to truly improve self-esteem in students.

Question 16

Which of the following children seems to have the most well-developed theory of mind?

Accepted Answer

Darby's realization that Bryson didn't mean to step on her indicates that she has an understanding of Bryson's intentions and mental state, suggesting a more well-developed theory of mind. The other options do not necessarily demonstrate an understanding of others' mental states.

Question 17

Jerry has become active with a group working to save Canada's topsoil. He believes that steps must be taken to prevent food shortages 100 years from now. George's situation represents Erikson's concern for

Accepted Answer

Jerry's involvement in a cause that focuses on the long-term well-being of future generations suggests a concern for generativity, which is Erikson's developmental stage focused on leaving a positive legacy and contributing to the next generation.

Question 18

Vic was struggling with a difficult math exam. Abbey, an A+ student, was not covering her paper, so Vic decided to copy some of her answers in order to avoid having to try solving the rest of the problems himself. What level of moral reasoning did Vic demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

Vic demonstrated preconventional moral reasoning by prioritizing his self-interest over the principles of honesty and hard work.

Question 19

Christine can't decide what she wants to pursue when she graduates from high school this year. "Life is so confusing," she thinks to herself. "Perhaps it is best not to think about these decisions at all." Christine is experiencing

Accepted Answer

Christine is displaying characteristics of identity diffusion, as she is avoiding making any decisions about her future and is not actively exploring her options. Identity diffusion involves a lack of commitment and exploration, and a sense of confusion or apathy about one's identity.

Question 20

Woolfolk has suggested that self-esteem is probably increased the most by

Accepted Answer

Woolfolk suggests that self-esteem is increased the most by demonstrating competence in valued knowledge domains. This means that individuals feel better about themselves when they excel in areas that are considered important or valuable in society, such as education or work-related skills. While having a rich social life and receiving recognition and rewards can also boost self-esteem, Woolfolk argues that demonstrating competence in valued domains has the greatest impact. Understanding in school subjects may also contribute to self-esteem, but not as significantly as demonstrating competence.

Quiz 3: Self and Social and Moral Development