Question 1

Cognitive ability is improving in adolescents because there are faster connections between neurons. This is largely due to:

Accepted Answer

Myelination is the process of coating the axon of each neuron with a fatty layer, called myelin, which speeds up the transmission of electrical signals between neurons. This process significantly contributes to faster connections between neurons, enhancing cognitive abilities in adolescents.

Question 2

The _____ stage is when babies understand the world through sensory experiences.

Accepted Answer

The sensorimotor stage, as described by Piaget, is when infants learn about the world primarily through their senses and motor activities. This stage typically lasts from birth to about 2 years of age.

Question 3

Dr. Ponchi is studying the impact of an enriched environment or an impoverished environment on the development of the brains of rats. Which developmental research question is he MOST likely trying to address?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Ponchi's study on the impact of enriched versus impoverished environments on rat brain development is exploring the "nature versus nurture" question. This research question investigates how genetic factors (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) influence development. In this case, the focus is on how different environments (nurture) affect brain development, contrasting with the innate genetic makeup (nature) of the rats.

Question 4

Anabel has been having frequent hot flashes, fatigue, and irritability. Since Anabel is nearing 55 years of age, she decides to have her estrogen levels checked and believes she may be entering:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Anabel has been having frequent hot flashes,...

Question 5

A _____ design is a research design in which people of different ages are compared to each other at the same point in time.

Accepted Answer

A cross-sectional design is used to compare different population groups at a single point in time, which is exactly what is described in the question.

Question 6

Most moral decisions that Gwen makes are based on ethical principles surrounding justice, dignity, and equality. Gwen is MOST likely in the _____ level of morality.

Accepted Answer

Gwen's moral decisions are based on abstract principles such as justice, dignity, and equality, which align with the postconventional level of morality according to Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development. This level involves the recognition of universal ethical principles and the ability to make moral judgments based on these principles, rather than on societal norms or personal gain.

Question 7

When developmental psychologists study whether we develop suddenly or gradually, they are MOST likely attempting to answer which research question?

Accepted Answer

Developmental psychologists studying whether development occurs suddenly or gradually are addressing the question of stage development versus continuous development. This debate revolves around whether development happens in distinct stages or as a gradual, continuous process.

Question 8

In Erikson's psychosocial theory of development, each of the eight stages is characterized by a(n):

Accepted Answer

Erikson's psychosocial theory of development posits that each of the eight stages is characterized by a specific crisis that individuals must resolve to develop a healthy personality and acquire basic virtues.

Question 9

The prenatal human organism from approximately 2 weeks to approximately 2 months after conception is called a(n):

Accepted Answer

The prenatal human organism is referred to as an embryo during the period from approximately 2 weeks to 2 months after conception. This stage follows the zygote stage and precedes the fetal stage.

Question 10

A period of time during which a particular developmental task is especially likely to be influenced by outside events is known as a(n) _____ period.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A period of time during which a...

Question 11

The teratogen that is studied and researched most often is:

Accepted Answer

Alcohol is the most studied and researched teratogen. It can cause a range of developmental problems and birth defects, known collectively as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), making it a primary focus of teratogenic research.

Question 12

Research suggests that _____ and _____ are influential in determining a temperament type.

Accepted Answer

Reactivity and self-regulation are key factors in determining temperament. Reactivity refers to how sensitive a person is to stimuli and how intensely they react, while self-regulation involves how well they can control their responses and emotions.

Question 13

Teratogens can enter a woman's body through many forms, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Prenatal vitamins are not teratogens; they are supplements taken to support health during pregnancy, unlike drugs, environmental pollution, and viruses, which can harm fetal development.

Question 14

_____ is the control one has over his or her own moods and behaviors.

Accepted Answer

Self-regulation refers to the ability to manage and control one's emotions, behaviors, and thoughts, adjusting them in accordance with the demands of the situation. It is a crucial aspect of emotional intelligence.

Question 15

_____ morality is a moral decision-making strategy driven by the desire to follow society's norms and laws.

Accepted Answer

Conventional morality is characterized by an individual's acceptance of society's conventions concerning right and wrong. At this level, moral reasoning is based on conformity to social rules and laws.

Question 16

A(n) _____ is a prenatal human organism from about 2 months after conception to birth.

Accepted Answer

A fetus is the term used for a prenatal human from about 2 months after conception until birth. Before this stage, it is referred to as an embryo.

Question 17

During _____ adulthood, the functioning of our brains and bodies gradually declines. We may develop age spots, wrinkles, and lose some height.

Accepted Answer

The answer of During _____ adulthood, the functioning of our...

Question 18

Which is NOT an indication that a child has reached the preoperational stage of development?

Accepted Answer

The preoperational stage, as defined by Jean Piaget, typically occurs between the ages of 2 and 7. It is characterized by symbolic thinking, imagination, and understanding of the concept of past and future. Exploring the world using hands and mouth is more indicative of the sensorimotor stage, which occurs from birth to about 2 years of age, where infants learn about the world through sensory experiences and manipulating objects.

Question 19

Iris is 78 years old and she is becoming increasingly unable to care for herself. She forgets her grandchildren's names and constantly forgets words that she wants to say. Iris will MOST likely be diagnosed with:

Accepted Answer

Iris's symptoms, including memory loss and difficulty with language, are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, a common form of dementia among older adults.

Question 20

Starting in adolescence, girls show an increase in _____ symptoms of psychological disorders, while boys show an increase in _____ symptoms of psychological disorders.

Accepted Answer

Starting in adolescence, girls tend to show an increase in internalizing symptoms (such as depression and anxiety), while boys are more likely to exhibit externalizing symptoms (such as aggression and delinquency).

Quiz 9: Development Across the Life Span