Question 1

The field of __________________ is the scientific study of age-related changes in behavior, thinking, emotion, and personality.

Accepted Answer

Human development is the field that studies age-related changes in behavior, thinking, emotion, and personality. While psychology also studies these topics, human development specifically focuses on how humans grow and change over the lifespan, from conception to death. Biology and sociology may touch on human development, but they are not the primary fields dedicated to its study.

Question 2

Which domain of developmental psychology examines interactions with others?

Accepted Answer

The domain of developmental psychology that examines interactions with others is social development. It focuses on how individuals interact with others, form relationships, and learn social skills throughout their lifespan.

Question 3

If you are born in the 21st century, which of the following statements might apply to you?

Accepted Answer

Life expectancy has been increasing due to advancements in healthcare, nutrition, and living conditions. It's plausible for someone born in the 21st century to live to be 100 years old. The other options overstate the increase in life expectancy or provide a specific average that doesn't account for ongoing improvements.

Question 4

As a developmental psychologist I believe that humans possess no inborn abilities and that a child's parents can mold them into whatever they want them to be. Which of the following would best describe my beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Empiricism is the philosophical view that knowledge and skills come from experience, and that individuals are not born with innate abilities or traits. As a developmental psychologist who believes that parents can mold their child into whatever they want them to be, this aligns with the principles of empiricism.

Question 5

What term is used to describe changes in variable that are associated with the relationship of an individual to others?

Accepted Answer

The social domain refers to changes in variables that are associated with an individual's relationship to others. This includes social interactions, relationships, and roles within society.

Question 6

Because of our increasing lifespan, theorists have to include many types of information gathering to complete their research. Which of the following is one of the key elements emphasized in the newer approaches to lifespan development?

Accepted Answer

Interdisciplinary research is one of the key elements emphasized in newer approaches to lifespan development, as it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of development over the course of one's life. This involves integrating knowledge and perspectives from multiple fields, such as psychology, sociology, biology, and neuroscience, to better understand the intricate interplay between biological, social, and environmental factors that shape our development across the lifespan.

Question 7

The idea that the earth contains a wide variety of life forms and that humans have developed as a result of the interaction of heredity and environment was proposed by

Accepted Answer

Charles Darwin proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection, which explains how different species, including humans, have evolved over time through the process of adaptation to changing environmental conditions. His book "On the Origin of Species" was published in 1859 and remains one of the most influential works in the history of science.

Question 8

Who was the philosopher who believed that children are born with a mind which is a blank slate?

Accepted Answer

John Locke believed in the idea of the "tabula rasa," or blank slate, which suggests that human beings are born without any innate knowledge or ideas and that their minds are shaped by their experiences and environment.

Question 9

The Christian doctrine of ________ is the basis for the theory that human development occurs as a result of how well or how poorly someone does at overcoming their innately sinful nature.

Accepted Answer

The Christian doctrine of original sin posits that all humans are born with a sinful nature and are inclined towards sinning. This serves as the basis for the theory that human development occurs as a result of how well or how poorly someone does at overcoming their innate sinful nature. This belief is often reflected in Christian teachings on morality and the importance of redemption through faith in Jesus Christ.

Question 10

Michael, age 16, has recently gained a considerable amount of weight but has not grown any taller. Developmentalists would suggest that there is a problem in which of the following domains of developmental psychology?

Accepted Answer

Michael's weight gain without any increase in height indicates a potential issue in his physical development, specifically in terms of his body's growth and metabolism.

Question 11

Stella, age 12, is in the 6th grade but still reads at a 3rd grade level. Developmentalists would suggest that there is a problem in which domain of development?

Accepted Answer

The fact that Stella is reading at a 3rd-grade level despite being in the 6th grade suggests that there may be a cognitive development issue. Reading is an important skill that involves various cognitive processes such as decoding, comprehension, and working memory. Children who struggle with cognitive development may face challenges in acquiring and applying these skills.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes your text's approach to human development?

Accepted Answer

The text states that human development begins at birth and continues throughout the lifespan, indicating a focus on the entire course of development from infancy to old age.

Question 13

What term is used to describe changes in thinking, memory, problem solving, and other intellectual skills?

Accepted Answer

The term used to describe changes in thinking, memory, problem solving, and other intellectual skills is the cognitive domain.

Question 14

Which of the following theorists is known for his emphasis on the positive aspects of aging?

Accepted Answer

Paul Baltes is known for his emphasis on the positive aspects of aging, particularly the concept of "selective optimization with compensation," which involves individuals focusing on their strengths and finding ways to compensate for their limitations. The other theorists listed do not have a major focus on positive aspects of aging.

Question 15

What term is used to describe changes in size, shape, and characteristics of the body?

Accepted Answer

The physical domain refers to changes in the body, including size, shape, and characteristics such as muscles and bones. The psychological domain pertains to changes in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The cognitive domain involves changes in mental processes such as memory and problem-solving. The social domain encompasses changes in relationships, social roles, and social expectations.

Question 16

What term is used to describe standardized tests that compare an individual child's score to the average score of others her age?

Accepted Answer

Norm-referenced tests compare an individual child's score to the average score of others her age. Empirical tests rely on data and observation, but not necessarily in comparison to others. Content normed tests measure mastery of a specific curriculum or content area. Normative metric tests use a standard scoring system but may not necessarily compare an individual's score to others.

Question 17

The ideas of the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau would suggest that the basis for human development is

Accepted Answer

Jean-Jacques Rousseau emphasized the importance of external environmental influences on human development, particularly in the formative years of childhood. He believed that individuals are born with inherent goodness, but that societal structures and institutions corrupt this innate nature. Therefore, he advocated for a return to more natural and primitive states of being, where individuals could develop without the negative influences of society.

Question 18

Which of the following assertions regarding lifespan development can be attributed to both G. Stanley Hall and Charles Darwin?

Accepted Answer

Both G. Stanley Hall and Charles Darwin believed in the theory of evolution and the concept that humans evolved from other animals.

Question 19

Which of the following believed that humans are selfish by nature and must seek spiritual rebirth through religious training?

Accepted Answer

Augustine, a Christian theologian, believed in the concept of original sin, which asserts that humans are inherently selfish and sinful. He argued that the only way to overcome this nature is through spiritual rebirth through religious training.

Question 20

What is the term that Arnold Gesell used to describe genetically programmed sequential patterns of change such as puberty or menopause?

Accepted Answer

Arnold Gesell used the term "maturation" to describe genetically programmed sequential patterns of change such as puberty or menopause.

Quiz 1: Basic Concepts and Methods