Question 1

Which theoretical camp suggests that we should study only what we can directly observe and measure (i.e., overt behaviors)?

Accepted Answer

Behaviorism suggests that we should study only what we can directly observe and measure, which are overt behaviors. It emphasizes the role of environmental factors in shaping behavior and disregards internal mental processes or subjective experiences.

Question 2

Which question provides the best example of the concept of generativity versus stagnation?

Accepted Answer

The concept of generativity versus stagnation involves feeling a sense of purpose and contribution to future generations, versus feeling stagnant and unproductive. The question "Will my work benefit the next generation?" directly relates to this concept by addressing the potential impact and legacy of one's actions.

Question 3

Bob is currently questioning himself. Which question would indicate that Bob is currently in Erikson's integrity versus despair stage of life?

Accepted Answer

In Erikson's integrity versus despair stage, individuals review their lives and have a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction or feelings of regret and despair. The question "Has my life been worthwhile?" indicates a reflective question that aligns with this stage of life. The other options do not focus on the individual's sense of accomplishment or regret regarding their life as a whole.

Question 4

Erikson's theory is different from Freud's because it

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory is different from Freud's primarily because it extends the stages of development beyond adolescence and into adulthood, focusing on the possibilities for growth throughout the entire lifespan.

Question 5

In comparison to Freud, Erikson placed greater emphasis on

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development extends from infancy to old age and emphasizes the importance of social and cultural factors in shaping personality and development. While Freud also recognized the importance of early experiences, his theory focused more on the role of unconscious instincts and psychosexual development. Erikson's theory reflects a broader scope of development beyond the adolescent years.

Question 6

Adler, Jung, Horney, and Erikson are all well-known

Accepted Answer

Adler, Jung, Horney, and Erikson are all considered to be part of the neo-Freudian movement, which arose in the early 20th century as a response to and expansion of Freudian psychoanalysis. While they drew from Freud's ideas, they also sought to develop their own unique theories about human psychology and behavior.

Question 7

Rachel is 15 years old. She spends countless hours alone and in conversation with her peers trying to figure out what it is she wants to do with her life. Rachel is in which of the following of Erikson's psychosocial stages?

Accepted Answer

Rachel is in the identity versus role confusion stage, which typically occurs during adolescence. During this stage, individuals are trying to develop a sense of self and figure out their place in the world, which often involves exploring different roles and possible futures.

Question 8

Twenty-eight-year-old Serge is a typical young adult. As such, Erikson would suggest that Sergi is most concerned about

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the stage of young adulthood is focused on the crisis of intimacy vs. isolation. This means that individuals in this stage are primarily concerned with establishing close relationships and intimacy with others. Therefore, the best choice is D - establishing an intimate long-term love relationship. A, B, and C are not specific concerns related to the young adult stage.

Question 9

Which of the following is a key criticism of Erikson's theory of personality development?

Accepted Answer

One key criticism of Erikson's theory is that it is difficult to test because it relies heavily on subjective interpretations of behavior and experiences.

Question 10

The preschool-aged child is typically in which of Erikson's psychosocial stages?

Accepted Answer

The preschool-aged child is typically in Erikson's stage of Initiative versus Guilt. During this stage, children begin to assert their independence and explore their surroundings. They develop a sense of purpose and enjoy taking on new challenges, but also need guidance and limits from adults to avoid feelings of guilt or shame.

Question 11

Erikson used the phrase "_____" to characterize the key element of adolescence.

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development includes the crisis of identity versus role confusion as the key element of adolescence. This stage involves exploring and forming a sense of one's identity and role in society, which can be a challenging and sometimes confusing process for adolescents.

Question 12

Rather than a sense of inferiority, eight-year-old Zeke has developed a sense of mastery in all his academic endeavors. Erikson would say that Zeke has a strong sense of

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development suggests that at the stage of industry vs. inferiority (ages 6-12), children develop a sense of competence and mastery in their academic and social endeavors. Therefore, Zeke's strong sense of mastery suggests he has successfully resolved this stage by developing a sense of industry rather than inferiority.

Question 13

Watson believed that

Accepted Answer

John B. Watson, the founder of behaviorism, argued that development and behavior are determined by environmental factors, not by innate or unconscious processes. He believed that with the right conditioning, one could train a child to become anything, completely downplaying the role of genetics or inborn tendencies.

Question 14

Maya has recently given birth to a healthy baby boy, Jason. Whenever Jason cries, Maya goes to him, tries to figure out the reason for his crying, and then promptly does all she can to meet his needs. According to Erikson's theory, Jason is well on his way toward mastering the conflict of

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory describes the first stage of psychosocial development as trust versus mistrust, which occurs during infancy. In this stage, infants learn to develop trust in the world and others based on their interactions with their primary caregiver. Maya's actions of promptly attending to Jason's needs when he cries helps him to trust that his needs will be met, which is important for his psychological development.

Question 15

Morgan, who just started kindergarten, is refusing to go to school and clings to his mother every morning. What would Freud suggest?

Accepted Answer

Freud would suggest looking at Morgan's relationship with his mother and the resolution of his Oedipus complex. According to Freud, children go through the Oedipus complex during the phallic stage (ages 3-6), where they have sexual desires for the parent of the opposite sex and view the same-sex parent as a rival. If Morgan has not resolved this complex, he may be experiencing anxiety related to separation from his mother and going to school. Freud would likely recommend psychoanalysis to explore and resolve any unconscious conflicts related to the Oedipus complex. Option B is not relevant since the Elektra complex refers to a female child's feelings for her father, not a male child's feelings for his mother. Option C is not helpful as punishing the child would not address the underlying psychological issue. Option D is not relevant as medication would not be the first-line treatment for this issue, and psychoanalysis is possible for children if modified appropriately.

Question 16

A reasonable criticism of Freudian psychoanalytic theory is that it puts too little emphasis on the

Accepted Answer

Freudian psychoanalytic theory has been criticized for its lack of empirical evidence and reliance on case studies, which do not provide the hard data typically required to support scientific findings. Freud's theories were largely based on observations and interpretations of his patients' behaviors and thoughts, rather than on quantitative data.

Question 17

Erikson emphasized the importance of a caregiver's _____ in predicting the impact of early life experience on later development.

Accepted Answer

Erikson emphasized the importance of a caregiver's general responsiveness in predicting the impact of early life experience on later development. This includes factors such as the caregiver's emotional availability, warmth and sensitivity, and consistency in meeting the child's needs. Age, sex, and intelligence are not emphasized by Erikson in terms of their impact on early life experiences and later development.

Question 18

The type of learning Watson and Pavlov's studied is referred to as _____ conditioning.

Accepted Answer

Watson and Pavlov's studied classical conditioning.

Question 19

Ruth is 80 years old and terminally ill with cancer. As she reflects back on her life, she comes to the conclusion that she has lived a full and productive life, and that it could not have been better lived in any other way. Ruth has successfully mastered the developmental task of

Accepted Answer

The developmental task of integrity versus despair is the final stage in Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. It occurs in late adulthood and involves reflecting back on one's life and feeling a sense of satisfaction or regret. Ruth's reflection on her life and her conclusion that she has lived a full and productive life suggests that she has successfully mastered this developmental task.

Question 20

One strength of Freud's approach to development is his description of how

Accepted Answer

Freud's theory emphasizes the impact of early childhood experiences on later development, particularly through the influence of unconscious motivations and conflicts. This has been supported by research on attachment and the long-term effects of childhood trauma.

Quiz 2: Theories of Human Development

Which theoretical camp suggests that we should study only what we can directly observe and measure (i.e., overt behaviors) ?