Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a goal of developmental psychology?

Accepted Answer

to improve

Question 2

Predictions that can be tested in an effort to explain human development are known as

Accepted Answer

Predictions that can be tested in an effort to explain human development are known as hypotheses. Choices A, B, and C are not accurate descriptions of this type of prediction.

Question 3

The National Longitudinal Study of Children and Youth collects data on children every 2 years (1 cycle) as they grow into adulthood. A new sample of infants is added at the third cycle, and at each subsequent cycle. This is an example of a(n) ________ design.

Accepted Answer

This is an example of a sequential design because it combines elements of both longitudinal and cross-sectional designs. It follows one group of individuals over time (longitudinal) while also adding new samples at different time points (cross-sectional).

Question 4

Of the following, which is the best example of a naturalistic observation?

Accepted Answer

Option C involves naturalistic observation where the researchers simply observe and record the children's behavior in their natural environment (in this case, during recess and cooperative learning assignments in their classrooms), without any manipulation of variables or interference from researchers. Options A, B, and D involve experiments or interventions, which are not naturalistic observations.

Question 5

Which of the following is the best example of a cross-sectional research study?

Accepted Answer

D

Question 6

Sets of statements that propose general principles to explain development are known as

Accepted Answer

Theories propose general principles to explain development, while research design refers to the overall plan for a study, research questions reflect specific inquiries that researchers seek to answer, and hypotheses are specific testable predictions that come from theories.

Question 7

Beginning in 1976, Jane Ledingham and Alex Swartzman began studying children living in inner-city neighbourhoods in Montreal, and they are still studying these same people, now grown adults, today. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

A longitudinal study is a research design that involves following a group of individuals over an extended period of time. This study began in 1976 and is still ongoing, examining the same group of individuals, who were children living in inner-city neighborhoods in Montreal. Therefore, it is a prime example of a longitudinal study.

Question 8

Which of the following are members of the same cohort?

Accepted Answer

a high-school student in Alberta and a high-school student in Quebec

Question 9

The idea that there are significant periods in development when an organism is especially sensitive to the presence or absence of particular influences is referred to as

Accepted Answer

The term "critical period" refers to a specific period in development when an organism is particularly responsive to certain environmental and genetic influences. This term is used to describe a narrow window of time during which certain experiences or conditions must occur in order for normal development to proceed. If these conditions are not met during the critical period, it may be difficult or impossible for the organism to develop normally. The critical period concept is particularly relevant in the study of language development, as there are specific time periods during which language acquisition must occur for children to develop normal language abilities.

Question 10

An explanation of the importance of individual differences (or of unique, non-shared events) in development would include all of the following concepts EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

The importance of individual differences in development relates to the unique experiences and influences that shape each person's development, rather than genetically programmed biological maturation processes.

Question 11

In a(n) ________ design, subjects of different ages are studied at the same time and the results are compared.

Accepted Answer

In a cross-sectional design, researchers study subjects of different ages at the same time and compare their results. Longitudinal designs involve following a single group of individuals over an extended period of time, while ethnographic designs involve studying a culture or group of people in their natural setting. Cross-cultural designs involve comparing different cultures or cultural groups.

Question 12

Which of the following is the BEST example of an "off-time" event that could have negative effects upon an individual's development?

Accepted Answer

The death of one's spouse at the age of 30 is a significant "off-time" event, as it is unexpected and occurs earlier than anticipated. This can have negative effects on an individual's development, including emotional distress, social isolation, and financial difficulties. The other options listed, while potentially challenging, are more normative life events that can be anticipated and prepared for to some extent.

Question 13

The Maple Leaf Elementary School counsellor, psychologist, and social worker and the parents of 8-year-old Jimmy Jackson are working as a cooperative team to determine why Jimmy exhibits a pattern of highly aggressive behaviour toward his peers and teachers. Jimmy's behaviour has been extensively observed, he has been subjected to a battery of psychological tests, and his parents have been interviewed. This in-depth examination of Jimmy Jackson is an example of a(n)

Accepted Answer

The detailed examination of Jimmy Jackson by multiple professionals working together to understand his behaviour is an example of a case study.

Question 14

Which of the following is an accurate summary of the influences of culture and cohort upon development?

Accepted Answer

Development is influenced by both culture and cohort, but their influences can vary across cultures and generations. Culture shapes the beliefs, values, and behaviors of individuals, but the historical experiences of different cohorts within each culture can affect development differently. Therefore, it is important to consider both culture and cohort when studying development. Option A is incorrect since cultural factors that influence development can change over time. Option B is incorrect since cultural variations and historical experiences can lead to different patterns of cohort development in different cultures. Option D is incorrect since individuals within the same culture can have different experiences based on their cohort.

Question 15

Which of the following illustrates the concepts of critical period or sensitive period?

Accepted Answer

The concept of critical period or sensitive period refers to a specific time during development when an organism is particularly sensitive to certain environmental stimuli or experiences. Choice C accurately reflects this idea by suggesting that infants need specific types of stimulation or experiences during the months after birth in order for their nervous systems to develop normally and completely. The other choices do not specifically mention this concept.

Question 16

Developmental psychologists use the term "sensitive period" to mean

Accepted Answer

a span of months or years during which a child may be particularly responsive to specific forms of experience or particularly influenced by their absence.

Question 17

Which of the following statements is the best example of an hypothesis about human development?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction about a relationship between variables. Option B presents a clear prediction about how breast-feeding may affect performance on psychological tests, making it the best example of an hypothesis among the given options. The other options may contain factual information, but they do not present a clear prediction or assertion about a relationship between variables.

Question 18

Roberta is intelligent, works hard, and is 20 years old. She applies for a job at a bank to help pay for her college education. She does not get the job, because the bank feels she is not old enough. Roberta has experienced

Accepted Answer

Roberta has experienced ageism, which is discrimination or prejudice based on age. The bank denied her employment solely based on her age, not considering her qualifications and abilities.

Question 19

A cohort is

Accepted Answer

A cohort is a group of individuals who share a similar historical experience, usually defined by their birth year or generation. They may share similar cultural experiences due to their shared historical context, but the term specifically refers to a group defined by age or time frame. Therefore, choice D is the best option.

Question 20

A system of meanings and customs shared by an identifiable group and transmitted across generations comprises the ________ of the group.

Accepted Answer

Culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that characterize a group or society. It is transmitted across generations and provides the framework for social interaction and communication within the group. Age norms refer to the expectations and standards of behavior that are associated with different age groups within a culture, while cohort refers to a group of individuals who share a common experience, such as being born in the same time and place. Collective identity refers to the sense of belonging and identification that individuals feel with a particular group or community.

Quiz 1: Basic Concepts and Methods