Question 1

Research indicates that there are genuine (although often small) gender differences in verbal ability, mathematical ability, spatial ability, aggression, and nonverbal communication. There is also some evidence that biological differences between the sexes in hormone levels and brain organization contribute to some or all of these behavioural differences. Adopt a functionalist/evolutionary perspective, and discuss why these biological differences and their consequent behavioural differences might exist.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Research indicates that there are genuine (although...

Question 2

Which of the following does not belong with the others, in relation to age?

Accepted Answer

Babbling, separation anxiety, and gradual mastery of object permanence are all typical developmental milestones that occur in infancy and early childhood. Postconventional moral reasoning, on the other hand, refers to a level of moral reasoning that is typically only achieved in late adolescence or adulthood, well beyond the age range of the other options.

Question 3

Which of the following does not belong with the others, in relation to age?

Accepted Answer

Development of secondary sex characteristics is related to puberty and adolescence, while the other terms are associated with early childhood cognitive development.

Question 4

Ceili and Fionn are discussing the statement "Fathers are essential for children's well-being." Ceili says that it is clear that fathers are essential because children in fatherless homes have an increased risk of a variety of behaviour problems. Which of the following points should Fionn make to demonstrate that the argument is unreasonable?

Accepted Answer

The argument presented by Ceili assumes that there is a causal relationship between fatherlessness and behaviour problems. However, the mere correlation between the two does not necessarily establish a causal relationship. Other factors may be at play that contribute to both fatherlessness and behaviour problems. Therefore, Fionn should point out that the argument is unreasonable based on the lack of evidence establishing a causal relationship between the presence of fathers and children's well-being.

Question 5

Research on adolescence indicates that for girls, early maturation is particularly difficult, while for boys, late maturation is especially hard. How would you explain this gender difference? Consider how your text's unifying theme that psychology evolves in a sociohistorical context might help to explain it.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Research on adolescence indicates that for girls,...

Question 6

What are gender roles?

Accepted Answer

Gender roles refer to the expectations and responsibilities that are assigned to individuals based on their gender as defined by society. These expectations can vary between cultures and time periods, and are not necessarily based on biological capabilities or differences. Thus choice D is the best answer.

Question 7

Which of the following critical thinking skills would be least important in evaluating the argument that fathers are essential to normal development?

Accepted Answer

While all of the critical thinking skills listed are important in evaluating arguments, recognizing how emotions can be manipulated through conditioning is not directly relevant to the argument that fathers are essential to normal development. The other skills (recognizing common reasoning fallacies, searching for alternative explanations, and understanding the limits of correlational evidence) are all directly applicable in evaluating the argument.

Question 8

According to Carol Gilligan (1982), Kohlberg's theory describes moral development from the "justice perspective," which tends to predominate in males, but neglects to consider the "care perspective," which tends to predominate in females. From the justice perspective, moral decisions are based on considerations of fairness and equal treatment for all. From the care perspective, moral decisions are based on considerations of meeting individuals' personal needs and preserving relationships. Do research findings on gender differences support Gilligan's views?

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Carol Gilligan (1982), Kohlberg's theory...

Question 9

Which of the following does not belong with the others, in relation to age?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy versus shame is a stage in Erikson's psychosocial development theory that typically occurs in early childhood, while the other options are associated with later stages of development.

Question 10

As you think about whether fathers are necessary for children's well-being, you acknowledge the increased risk of children's behaviour problems in father-absent homes, but you also consider the influence of poverty (which is also highly correlated with father absence) on the adjustment of children. In doing so, which of the following critical thinking skills are you using?

Accepted Answer

By considering poverty as a potential alternative explanation for the increased risk of children's behavior problems in father-absent homes, the individual is using the critical thinking skill of looking for alternative explanations.

Question 11

You and a friend are discussing the importance of fathers in children's overall development. Your friend states that "If we fail to promote increased involvement of fathers in the parenting process, then we must accept the inevitable breakdown of other social values." What type of reasoning fallacy is this?

Accepted Answer

This is a false dichotomy, as it presents the idea that there are only two options - promoting involvement of fathers in parenting or accepting the breakdown of other social values - and ignores other potential solutions or factors.

Question 12

Which of the following statements is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Television and media often emphasize physical attractiveness for women more than for men, reflecting societal standards and stereotypes.

Question 13

Which of the following should you predict about a boy who had an endocrine disorder that caused underproduction of androgens (male hormones), based on the research into the effects of hormones on behaviour?

Accepted Answer

Research has suggested that lower levels of androgens can lead to greater verbal ability, so the boy may have elevated scores on measures of verbal skills. There is no evidence to suggest that reduced levels of androgens would affect leadership skills, spatial ability, or creativity.

Question 14

What does self-socialization include, according to cognitive theories of gender-role development?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive theories of gender-role development suggest that self-socialization includes learning to classify oneself as male or female through the process of gender schema development. This involves internalizing societal gender roles and expectations and incorporating them into one's own self-concept.

Question 15

Describe the four stages of cognitive development proposed by Jean Piaget, and discuss the major developmental changes associated with each of the stages.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the four stages of cognitive development...

Question 16

Which of Kohlberg's moral development stages would a nine-year-old child likely be in if she was in Piaget's concrete operational stage?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of Kohlberg's moral development stages would...

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a limitation of evidence suggesting that prenatal hormones contribute to the shaping of gender differences?

Accepted Answer

The limitation described in option D is actually a strength, as large samples from various cultures enhance the generalizability of conclusions.

Question 18

Yesterday little Louis saw his brother climb a tree. Today Louis tried it and fell to the ground, hurting himself. But his mother nevertheless praised him for being a brave boy. Which of the following influences on gender-role socialization are at work here?

Accepted Answer

Observational learning is at work as Louis observed his brother climbing the tree and attempted to imitate him. Reinforcement is also at work as the mother praised Louis for his bravery, despite the negative consequence of falling.

Question 19

Which of the following does not belong with the others, in relation to age?

Accepted Answer

The other options (A, C, and D) are related to stages or changes that occur during middle adulthood, while option B refers to a stage in the cognitive development of children (ages 7-11).

Question 20

Which of the following is the safest statement to make regarding the origin of gender differences?

Accepted Answer

The statement acknowledges that both biological and environmental factors must be considered in explaining gender differences, which is the most accurate and inclusive approach. Choices A and D are too simplistic, as they respectively suggest that hormones or cerebral specialization alone explain gender differences. Choice B oversimplifies the issue by implying that gender-appropriate behavior is solely the result of reinforcement, ignoring other factors such as biology and cultural norms.

Quiz 11: A: Human Development Across the Life Span

Which of the following does not belong with the others, in relation to age?

Which of the following does not belong with the others, in relation to age?

What are gender roles?

Which of the following critical thinking skills would be least important in evaluating the argument that fathers are essential to normal development?

Which of the following does not belong with the others, in relation to age?

Which of the following statements is most accurate?

Which of the following should you predict about a boy who had an endocrine disorder that caused underproduction of androgens (male hormones) , based on the research into the effects of hormones on behaviour?

What does self-socialization include, according to cognitive theories of gender-role development?

Describe the four stages of cognitive development proposed by Jean Piaget, and discuss the major developmental changes associated with each of the stages.

Which of Kohlberg's moral development stages would a nine-year-old child likely be in if she was in Piaget's concrete operational stage?

Which of the following is NOT a limitation of evidence suggesting that prenatal hormones contribute to the shaping of gender differences?

Yesterday little Louis saw his brother climb a tree. Today Louis tried it and fell to the ground, hurting himself. But his mother nevertheless praised him for being a brave boy. Which of the following influences on gender-role socialization are at work here?

Which of the following does not belong with the others, in relation to age?

Which of the following is the safest statement to make regarding the origin of gender differences?