Question 1

Erikson's theory of social development viewed the period from ages 3 to 5, his third stage, as characterized by the major challenge of ________.

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of social development, ages 3 to 5 are characterized by the major challenge of initiative versus guilt. During this stage, children develop a sense of purpose and the ability to initiate activities and tasks, but may also experience feelings of guilt if they overstep boundaries or act in ways that go against society's norms and values.

Question 2

Like any 4-month-old, Amy depends on her parents to feed her and to change her diapers. When Amy cries, her devoted parents quickly respond to her needs. According to Erikson, Amy is developing a sense of ________.

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, infants develop a sense of trust versus mistrust during the first stage of life (0-18 months). Trust develops when infants' basic needs (such as food, warmth, and comfort) are consistently met by responsive and caring caregivers. Given that Amy's parents quickly respond to her needs by feeding her and changing her diapers, she is likely developing a sense of trust in her world and in the people around her. Therefore, the best choice is A) trust.

Question 3

The text defines puberty as ________.

Accepted Answer

Puberty is defined as the physical changes that occur in the body as sexual development reaches its peak. This includes the development of secondary sex characteristics, such as breast growth and the growth of facial and body hair, as well as the production of hormones in the reproductive glands stimulated by the pituitary gland. Puberty typically begins around the age of 8-13 for girls and 9-14 for boys.

Question 4

Which of the following stages of psychosocial development appears in adulthood rather than in childhood?

Accepted Answer

The stage of psychosocial development that appears in adulthood rather than in childhood is integrity vs. despair. This stage occurs in late adulthood and involves reflecting on one's life and feeling a sense of satisfaction or regret. The other options (A, C and D) are stages that occur in childhood.

Question 5

The period of life from about age 13 to the early twenties, during which a young person is no longer physically a child but is not yet an independent, self-supporting adult, is called ________.

Accepted Answer

Adolescence is the period of life that best fits the description provided, as it encompasses the timeframe of physical and psychological development between childhood and adulthood. Tweens refers specifically to the pre-teen years, while young adulthood typically begins in the mid-twenties. Puberty is a component of adolescence, but does not encompass the entire period.

Question 6

If a child successfully navigates this stage of psychosocial development, they will make decisions and act independently.

Accepted Answer

Autonomy vs. doubt is the stage in which children develop their sense of independence and decision-making skills. They explore their environment and make choices, which allows them to develop a sense of control over their lives. If they fail to navigate this stage successfully, they may develop self-doubt and become overly dependent on others.

Question 7

Mary is an adolescent who currently has a small pimple on her cheek that is causing her to be overly self-conscious. She is convinced that everyone she meets stares at and talks about her pimple. Mary's behavior exhibits ________.

Accepted Answer

Mary's behavior exhibits imaginary audience, which is a cognitive distortion in which an individual believes that their behavior or appearance is constantly being scrutinized by others, causing self-consciousness and exaggerated concern for social acceptance.

Question 8

Which type of attachment style is characterized by babies who do not seem to care very much whether the mother is present or absent, and are equally comfortable with her and a stranger?

Accepted Answer

The description given matches the avoidant attachment style, in which infants do not show distress when separated from their caregiver and do not seek their comfort upon reunion. They also often display similar behavior towards strangers, suggesting that they do not attach strongly to anyone.

Question 9

Most young adolescents, especially those who receive a formal high school education, are at the level of thinking that Piaget described as ________.

Accepted Answer

Piaget's formal operations stage occurs in adolescence, typically starting around age 11, and is characterized by the ability to think abstractly, reason logically, and engage in hypothetical and deductive reasoning. Therefore, most young adolescents who receive a formal high school education are likely at the level of thinking described as formal operations.

Question 10

Approximately how long does puberty last from start to finish in the average person?

Accepted Answer

Puberty typically begins around age 8-13 and lasts for an average of 4 years. However, it can range from 2 to 6 years depending on the individual.

Question 11

Which of Erik Erikson's psychosocial crises revolves around the child's learning to direct his or her own behavior?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy versus shame and doubt is the psychosocial crisis in which the child is between the ages of 1 and 3 years old, and is learning to direct his or her own behavior, including walking, talking, feeding oneself, and making choices. The child's success or failure in this stage is based on whether he or she is encouraged or discouraged in their attempts at independence.

Question 12

The growth spurt for girls typically begins at what age?

Accepted Answer

The growth spurt for girls typically begins around age 10, although it can vary slightly for each individual.

Question 13

Between the ages of 5 and 12, children strive to develop a sense of competence arising from their work and effort. Erikson refers to this stage of life as ________.

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory, between the ages of 5 and 12, children enter the stage of industry versus inferiority. During this stage, children strive to develop a sense of competence arising from their work and effort. They want to feel productive and accomplished in their activities, and gaining a sense of mastery in different areas is crucial for their self-esteem and social development. This stage sets the foundation for their future growth and achievements, and it is essential to nurture their sense of industry to support their healthy development.

Question 14

According to Erikson, if an elementary school child fails to succeed in learning new skills and knowledge, the result may be the development of a sense of ________.

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the stage for elementary school children is Industry vs. Inferiority. If the child is not successful in learning new skills and knowledge during this stage, they may develop a sense of inferiority.

Question 15

Mary Ainsworth observed that securely attached infants ________.

Accepted Answer

Mary Ainsworth observed that securely attached infants cry if the mother leaves the room, are easily soothed, and welcome her back when she returns. They show distress at separation but are able to be comforted by the caregiver upon returning.

Question 16

The development of formal operations in adolescence leads to ________.

Accepted Answer

The development of formal operations in adolescence, according to Piaget's theory, leads to the ability for abstract thinking, which often results in increased introspection and egocentrism.

Question 17

________ babies in Ainsworth's study were clinging and unwilling to explore, very upset by the stranger regardless of the mother's presence, protested mightily when the mother left, were hard to soothe, and had mixed reactions upon mother's return.

Accepted Answer

The description corresponds to babies classified as Ambivalent in Ainsworth's Strange Situation study. They exhibit distress upon separation and inconsistency in their reaction upon reunion with the mother.

Question 18

The growth spurt for boys typically begins at age ________.

Accepted Answer

The growth spurt for boys usually starts around the age of 12, although it can begin as early as age 9 or as late as age 15. However, the most common age for the onset of the growth spurt is 12.

Question 19

Mothers who were unresponsive, insensitive, and coldly rejecting were associated with ________ infants.

Accepted Answer

Unresponsive, insensitive, and coldly rejecting mothers are typically associated with avoidant attachment in infants, where the child tends to avoid or ignore the caregiver, showing little emotion when the caregiver departs or returns.

Question 20

In Erikson's ________ stage of psychosocial development, preschoolers are challenged to control their own behavior.

Accepted Answer

In Erikson's psychosocial development theory, the "initiative versus guilt" stage occurs during the preschool years, where children are challenged to assert control and power over their environment, leading to a sense of initiative.

Quiz 8: Development Across the Life Span