Question 1

A set of interrelated statements that provides an explanation for a class of events is called a:

Accepted Answer

A theory is a set of interrelated statements that provides an explanation for a class of events, offering a comprehensive understanding of phenomena by outlining relationships among variables.

Question 2

All of the following are true about a theory EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

A theory does not prove that events occur for the reasons stated; rather, it proposes explanations for phenomena based on observed evidence. Proving causality definitively is often complex and requires extensive validation.

Question 3

The theory most closely related to the view that personality is fashioned progressively as the individual passes through various psychosexual stages is:

Accepted Answer

Psychoanalytic theory, developed by Sigmund Freud, posits that personality development occurs through a series of psychosexual stages. Each stage is characterized by the erogenous zone that is the focus of the libido's satisfaction. Failures at any stage can lead to fixation, affecting adult personality.

Question 4

The theory that human behavior arises out of a struggle between societal prohibitions and the instinctual drives associated with sex and aggression is attributed to:

Accepted Answer

This theory is attributed to Sigmund Freud, who proposed that human behavior is the result of the conflict between our aggressive, pleasure-seeking biological impulses and the social restraints against them.

Question 5

Marietta is unable to sustain a lasting, meaningful romantic relationship. Seeking help, she visits a psychologist who probes her to elaborate on her childhood experiences. The psychologist is using an approach based upon:

Accepted Answer

The psychologist is using a psychoanalytic theory approach, which emphasizes the importance of unconscious processes and childhood experiences in shaping personality and behavior. This theory, originally developed by Sigmund Freud, often involves exploring a person's early experiences to understand current psychological issues.

Question 6

The theory that stresses the role of unconscious motivation on behavior is most closely associated with:

Accepted Answer

Freud's psychosexual theory emphasizes the influence of unconscious motivations and drives on human behavior, which is a central aspect of his psychoanalytic perspective.

Question 7

According to Freud, the phase when children suppress most of their sexual feelings and are more interested in play and same-sex friendships is called:

Accepted Answer

The latency phase, according to Freud, occurs after the phallic stage and is characterized by the suppression of sexual impulses and interests, with children focusing more on hobbies, learning, and same-sex friendships.

Question 8

According to Freudian theory, the tendency to stay at a particular stage is called:

Accepted Answer

According to Freudian theory, the tendency to remain stuck at a particular stage of psychosexual development, due to either excessive or insufficient gratification, is called fixation.

Question 9

Freud's theories have been critiqued on the basis of:

Accepted Answer

Freud's theories have been critiqued for being based largely on his work with adult patients, which may not accurately represent the development and experiences of children.

Question 10

The correct chronological sequence of psychosexual stages is:

Accepted Answer

Sigmund Freud proposed the psychosexual stages of development, which are in order: oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital.

Question 11

Which theory is Erik Erikson most associated with?

Accepted Answer

Erik Erikson is most associated with the psychosocial theory, which outlines eight stages of psychological development from infancy to adulthood, focusing on the impact of social experiences across the lifespan.

Question 12

Erikson's theory differs from Freud's because it:

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory posits that personality development continues throughout the entire lifespan, unlike Freud's theory, which focuses primarily on early childhood stages.

Question 13

Erikson's developmental tasks are referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Erikson's developmental tasks are known as psychosocial stages, which emphasize the social nature of our development rather than its sexual nature.

Question 14

Erikson himself referred to the developmental tasks in his model as:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Erikson himself referred to the developmental tasks...

Question 15

Erikson believed that each part of the personality has a particular time in the life span when it must develop (if it is to develop at all). If a particular stage of development is not completed the stages that should follow it will be hindered. This is based on the:

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory is based on the epigenetic principle, which suggests that development follows a predetermined sequence and each stage builds upon the previous one. If a stage is not successfully navigated, it can impact subsequent stages.

Question 16

According to Erikson's theory, a person first establishes a sense of trust during which stage?

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory posits that the first stage of psychological development is trust vs. mistrust, which occurs during infancy (0-18 months). This stage emphasizes the importance of establishing trust in the caregivers and environment.

Question 17

Sherry is 4 ½ years old and loves to play with the remote controls for the TV and DVD player as well as with her toys. Her kindergarten teacher reports that Sherry always follows the teacher's directions and often helps to explain to her classmates why they are engaging in activities like lining up for lunch time. According to Erikson's theory, Sherry is successfully going through which stage of development?

Accepted Answer

Sherry is in the initiative vs. guilt stage of Erikson's psychosocial development theory, which occurs from approximately ages 3 to 5. Her behaviors, such as taking initiative in playing with complex objects like remote controls and helping her classmates understand activities, indicate she is actively exploring her abilities and taking initiative, which is characteristic of this stage.

Question 18

10-year-old Robert is curious about how cars work. Whenever his father makes repairs to the family car Robert is on hand to be the "assistant mechanic." According to Erikson's theory, Robert is in the stage of:

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, a 10-year-old child like Robert would be in the stage of Industry vs. Inferiority. This stage typically occurs between the ages of 6 and 12 years old, where children are eager to learn and accomplish more complex skills, gaining a sense of industry and competence. Robert's interest in learning how cars work and assisting in repairs is indicative of this stage, where he is trying to gain skills and a sense of accomplishment.

Question 19

Connie has just completed college and has found a position as an elementary school teacher. She and her boyfriend Mark are talking about getting married in a few years. According to Erikson's theory, Connie is in which stage of development?

Accepted Answer

Connie is in the intimacy vs. isolation stage according to Erikson's theory. This stage typically occurs in young adulthood, where individuals focus on forming intimate, loving relationships with others. Since Connie has just completed college and is discussing marriage, she fits into this stage.

Question 20

John is retired from a career in the army. He often looks at his medals and photographs from the places he had been stationed. He talks fondly about "the old days" with anyone who will listen. According to Erikson's theory, John is probably in which stage of development?

Accepted Answer

John is reflecting on his life and the choices he made, which is characteristic of the integrity vs. despair stage in Erikson's theory. This stage involves looking back on life and feeling a sense of fulfillment or regret.

Quiz 2: Theories of Development