Question 1

Regarding physical and cognitive changes in late adulthood,which of the following statements is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Fluid intelligence actually declines across much of the lifespan, only beginning to increase in late adulthood. The other statements are true.

Question 2

If Gertrude is like the average woman,she can expect to experience menopause in her

Accepted Answer

The average age of menopause for women in the United States is around 51 years old, which falls within the range of late forties to early fifties. Therefore, choice C is the best answer.

Question 3

Regarding Alzheimer's disease,which of the following statements is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

There is no one specific gene that has been identified as the sole cause of Alzheimer's disease. While certain genes may increase an individual's risk for developing the disease, it is believed that a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors contribute to its development.

Question 4

Preserved intellectual ability in later life is associated with which factor(s)?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that engagement in stimulating activities, general physical health, and openness to new experiences are associated with preserved intellectual ability in later life. Gender is not a significant factor in this context.

Question 5

Murray has a condition that has caused him to experience a major deterioration of his mental abilities.He has lost much of his reasoning and judgment abilities,and he has great difficulty carrying out purposeful behavior.Based on this description,what is Murray's condition most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described in the scenario are characteristic of dementia, which is a condition that involves a decline in cognitive functioning, including reasoning, judgment, and behavior. Centration refers to the tendency to focus on only one aspect of a situation, cognitive dissonance involves conflicting beliefs or attitudes, osteoporosis is a bone disease, and role diffusion refers to a lack of identity development.

Question 6

Forty-two-year-old Jon is experiencing a psychological challenge.He is grappling with the loss of his youth and feels "trapped," perceiving a lack of future options. Based on this discrimination,what is Jon most likely experiencing?

Accepted Answer

Jon's perceived lack of future options and feeling "trapped" aligns with the commonly cited symptoms of a midlife crisis. This phenomenon is characterized by feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and a desire for change or new experiences.

Question 7

Instead of focusing on what she is no longer able to do,80-year-old Pauline uses her time and money to make up for the shortcomings associated with aging,focusing on activities that are meaningful and important to her.Pauline demonstrates which characteristic associated with successful aging?

Accepted Answer

Pauline is using selective optimization and compensation by focusing on activities that are important to her and making up for any limitations she may have due to aging. She is not being pessimistic by focusing on what she can no longer do, but instead is demonstrating optimism and realistic expectations by adapting to her current situation.

Question 8

Elvin is 75 years old.He is a rather sad because he regrets the wasted opportunities in life and feels he has made a lot of mistakes.From Erikson's perspective,this reflects a sense of

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the last stage of life is integrity vs. despair. This stage occurs in late adulthood and is characterized by reflecting on one's life and either feeling a sense of satisfaction with their accomplishments (integrity) or feeling regretful and disappointed with their choices (despair). Elvin's feelings of regret and sadness indicate that he is experiencing a sense of despair in this stage of development. Therefore, the best choice is A) despair.

Question 9

According to Erikson,middle adulthood is to ______ as early adulthood is to _______.

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, middle adulthood (ages 40-65) is characterized by the conflict between generativity versus stagnation, in which individuals focus on making a positive impact on future generations by contributing to society and nurturing others. In contrast, early adulthood (ages 20-40) is characterized by the conflict between intimacy versus isolation, in which individuals focus on forming close relationships with others and building intimate connections. Choice A is incorrect because ego identity versus despair is the conflict that occurs in late adulthood (ages 65+). Choice B is incorrect because generativity versus stagnation is the conflict that occurs in middle adulthood, not intimacy versus isolation. Choice D is incorrect because ego integrity versus despair is the conflict that occurs in late adulthood, not early adulthood. Choice E is incorrect because identity versus role diffusion is the conflict that occurs during adolescence, not early adulthood.

Question 10

According to Erik Erikson,people who forge a strong sense of ego identity earlier in development are more likely to achieve what in early adulthood?

Accepted Answer

According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the stage of identity vs. role confusion occurs during adolescence. If an individual successfully navigates this stage and forms a strong sense of ego identity, they are then better equipped to form intimate relationships in early adulthood. Therefore, choice B (intimacy) is the correct answer.

Question 11

What is the fastest growing segment of the U.S.population?

Accepted Answer

Adults ages 65 and older are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population due to the aging baby boomer generation and advances in healthcare leading to longer life expectancy.

Question 12

According to Erikson,psychosocial development in late adulthood centers on the crisis of

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson, the crisis in late adulthood is ego integrity vs. despair, where individuals reflect on their lives and either feel a sense of satisfaction with accomplishments and acceptance of death or experience regret and a sense of despair.

Question 13

Psychologist Jeffrey Arnett describes the transition from adolescence to adulthood with the term

Accepted Answer

Psychologist Jeffrey Arnett coined the term "emerging adulthood" to describe the period of transition from adolescence to adulthood, which typically occurs between the ages of 18 and 25. During this time, individuals are exploring their identities and trying out different roles and responsibilities. They may also experience significant changes in their relationships, education, and work. The other answer choices refer to different developmental stages or concepts.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes Erikson's concept of stagnation?

Accepted Answer

Erikson's concept of stagnation is characterized by self-absorption, where individuals focus on their own needs and interests to the exclusion of others. This occurs when individuals fail to find a way to contribute to the lives of others, leading to a sense of stagnation.

Question 15

The time in a woman's life when menstruation ends is called

Accepted Answer

Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstruation stops permanently, usually occurring in the late 40s to early 50s. Menarche (A) is the onset of menstruation. Role diffusion (B) is a term used in psychology to describe a lack of clear identity or direction in life. Ovulation (C) is the process by which an egg is released from the ovary. Midlife crisis (D) is a period of self-doubt and questioning that may occur in middle age.

Question 16

Nurse Ross Millhouse works in an assisted living facility where he cares for residents over the age of 85.Assuming the residents are typical of people of their age,about what percentage of the residents under Millhouse's care would be expected to suffer from Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Approximately one in four people over the age of 85 are expected to suffer from Alzheimer's disease.

Question 17

Which of the following is the leading cause of dementia?

Accepted Answer

Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. Parkinson's disease, strokes, and brain injuries can also cause dementia, but Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause. Chronic alcoholism can also lead to a form of dementia known as alcohol-related dementia, but it is not the leading cause.

Question 18

Which hormones fuel a woman's sex drive?

Accepted Answer

Androgens, such as testosterone, are the primary hormones responsible for fueling a woman's sex drive. While estrogens and progesterone also play important roles in reproductive function and sexual health, they do not directly impact libido in the same way that androgens do. Corticosteroids are not associated with sexual function, and endorphins primarily impact mood and pain perception rather than sexual desire.

Question 19

If Aretha is like the typical older adult,the psychological problem she is most likely to face is

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that depression is the most common psychological problem faced by older adults, often due to life changes such as retirement, loss of loved ones, and declining health.

Question 20

Twenty-five-year-old Allison is predicted to be in which stage of psychosocial development?

Accepted Answer

According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, a twenty-five-year-old like Allison would be in the stage of Intimacy vs. Isolation. This stage typically occurs during young adulthood, roughly between the ages of 20 and 40, where the main challenge is to develop intimate relationships with others.

Quiz 9: Human Development