Question 1

There is a significant positive correlation between IQ scores and academic performance (grades). Given this statistic, we can reasonably conclude that _______.

Accepted Answer

A positive correlation indicates that as one variable increases, the other tends to increase as well. Therefore, low IQ scores are related to low grades (A), high IQ scores can predict good grades (B), but correlation does not imply causation, so high IQ scores are not necessarily the cause of high grades (C). Thus, all options are reasonable conclusions.

Question 2

Which of the following research designs would be the LEAST useful when using a sample population of a typical college freshman class to make comparisons of preretirement and postretirement exercise regimen on positive life outlooks?

Accepted Answer

An experimental design involves randomly assigning participants to groups and manipulating variables to observe their effects. However, it would not be feasible to randomly assign college freshmen to a preretirement or postretirement exercise regimen. Therefore, this design would not be useful in this situation. The other designs (quasi-experimental, correlational, and surveys) could all be useful in this scenario.

Question 3

If a researcher begins a study of a group of 20-year-olds and then a few years later continues the study on the same group, this would be an example of what type of research design?

Accepted Answer

This is a longitudinal research design because it follows the same group of individuals over an extended period of time.

Question 4

Which of the following scenarios is MOST likely a nonnormative life event?

Accepted Answer

Nonnormative life events are events that are not typical or expected in a given culture or society. In this scenario, the marriage of two nursing home residents at ages 80 and 82 is not a typical or expected life event, making it a nonnormative event. The other scenarios are more common and expected life events.

Question 5

Which of the following is a common characteristic of U.S. adults who were young children during the Great Depression of the 1930's, according to Elder's research?

Accepted Answer

According to Elder's research, common characteristic of U.S. adults who were young children during the Great Depression of the 1930's is negative effects in adulthood.

Question 6

Three groups of males take a timed reaction test. All the males in Group 1 are aged 20. The males in Group 2 are all aged 40. The males in the last group (Group 3) are all aged 60. The statistic reported to describe the differences in reaction times between groups is each group's mean score. However, this mean score does NOT identify _______.

Accepted Answer

The mean score reported only describes the average reaction times for each group and does not identify any individual's reaction time. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. Options A, B, and D are all possible implications that can be drawn from comparing the mean scores of each group.

Question 7

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of cross-sectional and longitudinal research designs.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare the advantages and disadvantages of cross-sectional...

Question 8

Describe and discuss at least two categories of shared, age-graded experiences that can shape adult development.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe and discuss at least two categories...

Question 9

Biologically influenced changes in adulthood occur _______.

Accepted Answer

Biologically influenced changes in adulthood occur at varied ages but generally follow a similar sequence, reflecting the common biological aging process despite individual differences in timing.

Question 10

Which of the following is a major argument AGAINST the use of cross-sectional research designs in studying adult development?

Accepted Answer

Cross-sectional research designs confound age and cohort, meaning that it is difficult to determine whether observed differences in behavior or characteristics are due to age or to historical or social factors associated with a particular cohort. Therefore, longitudinal designs are often preferred for studying adult development.

Question 11

A researcher reports that adults in their forties have fewer close friends than do adults in their twenties. List briefly at least two (three if you can manage it) broad types of explanations for this finding.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A researcher reports that adults in their...

Question 12

There are at least three factors or processes that produce age-graded changes. Briefly list and describe them.

Accepted Answer

The answer of There are at least three factors or...

Question 13

Which is NOT a major category of influence that helps to explain both the ways we tend to be alike and the ways we tend to be different in our adult journeys?

Accepted Answer

Biologically influenced change is not a major category of influence that helps to explain both the ways we tend to be alike and the ways we tend to be different in our adult journeys. The other three options (unique experiences, cultural-cohort effects, and shared, age-graded change) are major categories of influence that help explain individual differences and similarities in adulthood.

Question 14

Using a standard treadmill test, I observe that today's 30-year-olds are more aerobically fit than are today's 60-year-olds. Which of the following is the LEAST plausible explanation of this observation?

Accepted Answer

This explanation is the least plausible because modern treadmill tests use standard protocols that are specifically designed to measure aerobic fitness in older adults, making it unlikely that testing difficulty is the cause of the observed difference. Choices A, B, and C are all plausible explanations for the difference in aerobic fitness between the two age groups.

Question 15

According to the text, emerging adulthood begins in the age decade of _______.

Accepted Answer

The text states that emerging adulthood begins in the age decade of the 20s.

Question 16

Explain briefly why differences in the average level of education between older and younger adults might affect our interpretation of age differences in such variables as intellectual performance or work satisfaction.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain briefly why differences in the average...

Question 17

Briefly describe two of the significant problems with longitudinal design.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Briefly describe two of the significant problems...

Question 18

In our culture, adults in their early 20s are expected to marry, start families, establish themselves in their jobs or careers, and settle into separate households; 4year-olds are expected to be launching their children into independence, to be reaching the peak of their careers, and to be caring for their own aging parents. Such expectations illustrate which concept?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In our culture, adults in their early...

Question 19

List and briefly describe the four most common methods of data collection. Make sure to include the pros and cons of each.

Accepted Answer

The answer of List and briefly describe the four most...

Question 20

Which shared developmental change is the most likely to be universal?

Accepted Answer

Reduced muscle mass in old age is a well-documented biological change that occurs universally as people age. Retirement age, leaving home age, and attitudes towards ageism can vary across cultures and contexts.

Quiz 1: Introduction to Adult Development

There is a significant positive correlation between IQ scores and academic performance (grades) . Given this statistic, we can reasonably conclude that _______.