Question 1

According to Bandura's model of reciprocal determinism:

Accepted Answer

Bandura's model of reciprocal determinism posits that a person's behavior, personal factors (such as cognitive skills or attitudes), and the environment all interact and influence each other. Thus, all the alternatives listed (A, B, C) are aspects of this model, making D the correct choice.

Question 2

Sarah's older brother Thomas is getting praised for picking up his toys when he is finished playing with them. After seing this, Sarah, who is also done playing with her toys, picks up at the same time. What does this exemplify?

Accepted Answer

Sarah is demonstrating vicarious reinforcement by observing her brother being praised (a positive outcome) for a specific behavior (picking up toys) and then imitating that behavior in expectation of a similar positive outcome.

Question 3

Which perspective is concerned with the study of development from an evolutionary perspective?

Accepted Answer

The ethological perspective focuses on the evolutionary basis of behavior and development, emphasizing the adaptive nature of behaviors in response to environmental pressures.

Question 4

Researchers in which tradition are most likely to study development using non-human species?

Accepted Answer

Ethological research focuses on the behavior of animals in their natural environments, often comparing these behaviors across species to understand their development and evolutionary significance. This tradition is most interested in studying development through non-human species.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of innate behaviour?

Accepted Answer

Innate behaviour is instinctual and does not require learning or experience to be exhibited, which is why option B is not a characteristic of innate behaviour.

Question 6

In his research with stickleback fish, Tinbergen observed that a distinctive pattern of mating behaviours was initiated in the spring as the temperature of the water increased. Ethologists refer to the rising water temperature as a(n):

Accepted Answer

The rising water temperature acts as an innate releasing mechanism or sign stimulus, triggering a specific behavior pattern in the stickleback fish, according to Tinbergen's observations. This concept is fundamental in ethology, the study of animal behavior.

Question 7

Ethologists refer to complex patterns of innate behaviour such as that which occurs when spiders weave webs or beavers build dams as:

Accepted Answer

Modal action patterns (MAPs) are complex, coordinated behavioral sequences that are innate and can be observed across members of a species, such as spider web weaving or beaver dam building. Unlike learned behaviors, MAPs are hardwired and typically performed in a similar way by all individuals within the species.

Question 8

Tinbergen's research strategies demonstrate:

Accepted Answer

Tinbergen's research strategies are known for combining naturalistic observations with controlled laboratory experiments, which is a hallmark of ethological research.

Question 9

Lorenz's research on imprinting with baby chicks demonstrates the concept:

Accepted Answer

Lorenz's research on imprinting, particularly with baby chicks, showed that there are critical periods in early life when certain types of learning, such as following and forming an attachment to a mother figure, can occur most easily. This concept does not necessarily involve bonding only with the biological mother, fixed action patterns, or reciprocal determinism.

Question 10

An ethologist would explain mother-infant attachment in terms of:

Accepted Answer

Ethologists study animal behaviors in their natural environments, focusing on how behaviors have evolved to increase survival and reproductive success. Mother-infant attachment is viewed through this lens as having survival value for the young, ensuring they receive the necessary care and protection to grow and eventually reproduce.

Question 11

A basic assumption of John Bowlby's theory of attachment is that:

Accepted Answer

Bowlby's theory of attachment emphasizes the importance of early relationships, suggesting that the quality of these early attachments is crucial for emotional and social development throughout life.

Question 12

Who, from among the following theorists, is best described as working within the ethological perspective?

Accepted Answer

John Bowlby is best known for his work on attachment theory, which is rooted in ethology, the study of animal behavior in natural environments.

Question 13

The field of sociobiology was founded by:

Accepted Answer

E. O. Wilson is credited with founding the field of sociobiology, particularly through his work and the publication of his book "Sociobiology: The New Synthesis" in 1975.

Question 14

A basic assumption of sociobiology is that:

Accepted Answer

Sociobiology posits that many social behaviors have a genetic basis, influenced by evolutionary processes. This field examines how natural selection has shaped behaviors in all species, including humans.

Question 15

An evolutionary developmental psychologist would say that evolution has prepared us for all but which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary developmental psychology suggests that while humans have evolved capacities for language, mate selection, and forming attachments, the specific skill of reading is not directly prepared by evolution. Reading is a relatively recent cultural invention that humans have developed the cognitive capacity to learn, rather than a skill directly prepared by evolutionary processes.

Question 16

An evolutionary developmental psychologist believes that attributes that are adaptive and promote survival will vary with the developmental level of the organism. Which of the following is NOT an example that supports this belief?

Accepted Answer

Reading during childhood is a culturally developed skill rather than an adaptive trait linked directly to survival or reproductive success across human evolutionary history. It does not vary with the developmental level in the same biological or evolutionary sense as the other options.

Question 17

The study of the importance of early infant-mother bonds would most likely be the work from which developmentalist?

Accepted Answer

John Bowlby is most closely associated with the study of attachment theory, which emphasizes the importance of early infant-mother bonds for healthy psychological development.

Question 18

Chloe, a newborn baby, cries to be fed or when she is cold, wet, or uncomfortable. Which developmentalist believed that this type of behaviour had an evolutionary basis to it?

Accepted Answer

John Bowlby is known for his work on attachment theory, which suggests that these types of behaviors in infants have an evolutionary basis, aimed at ensuring the child's survival by keeping the caregiver close.

Question 19

Matty is 4 years old and is on an outing with his parents. Suddenly, he jumps into the street in front of a passing car. His mother quickly darts behind him, putting her own life at risk, in order to save him. What principle does this event demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

This event demonstrates the principle of sociobiology, which suggests that certain behaviors, including altruistic acts like risking one's life for a relative, can be understood in the context of evolutionary biology and the survival of genes. In this case, the mother's instinct to protect her offspring, even at personal risk, aligns with the idea that such behaviors contribute to the survival of one's genes.

Question 20

At Heather's daycare centre, the little boys play rough and tumble games, while the little girls spend most of their time playing with dolls. What developmental theory is encompassed in this type of example?

Accepted Answer

This example encompasses Evolutionary theory, which suggests that gender differences in play styles and interests have evolved over time to serve adaptive functions related to survival and reproduction. Boys' rough and tumble play could be seen as preparing for protective and hunting roles, while girls' play with dolls could be related to nurturing roles.

Quiz 1: Background and Theories