Question 1

The primary function of schooling during the 17th and 18th centuries was to

Accepted Answer

During the 17th and 18th centuries, schooling was primarily focused on providing children with a proper moral and religious education. This was an important aspect of society during this time period, and education was seen as a means to instill certain values and beliefs in young people. While basic literacy skills were also taught, the main emphasis was on spiritual and moral instruction.

Question 2

When choosing between two theories that each explain the same set of observations, the theory that is generally acknowledged to be the more useful

Accepted Answer

The usefulness of a theory is not necessarily correlated with the number of concepts and propositions it contains, nor with its ability to be falsified by future research. Usefulness is subjective and can depend on various factors such as the theory's ability to generate new predictions, to explain and unify diverse phenomena, or to guide practical applications. Therefore, none of the options provided can be considered a reliable criterion for determining the more useful theory.

Question 3

Philosopher Thomas Hobbes was a proponent of the doctrine of original sin, a viewpoint which held that children are

Accepted Answer

Thomas Hobbes believed in the doctrine of original sin, which argued that all humans are inherently selfish and egoistic, and that this nature must be controlled by society and government. Therefore, he did not believe in the idea of "noble savages" or the "tabula rasa" viewpoint, which suggests that humans are blank slates at birth and are shaped by their environment and experiences.

Question 4

Jamal argues that it is ultimately a failure of parents to monitor their offspring which causes children to become delinquent. With respect to the activity/passivity issue, Jamal's statement reflects

Accepted Answer

Jamal's statement suggests that parents have the primary responsibility for monitoring their children and preventing delinquent behavior, which reflects a passivity orientation. This perspective implies that children are largely molded by their experiences and environment, rather than actively shaping their own development.

Question 5

The first published observations (that is, data) on child development were

Accepted Answer

Baby biographies, which were detailed records of infants' growth and development, first became popular in the late 1800s and were published in magazines and newspapers. They were written by mothers, doctors, and other professionals, and provided valuable insights into child development.

Question 6

The role of a theory in the scientific enterprise is to

Accepted Answer

The role of a theory in the scientific enterprise is to aid in the interpretation of data and the generation of testable hypotheses. Theories are not meant to make hypothesis testing unnecessary or lend credence to untested assumptions about human nature. Therefore, options A, B, and D are incorrect. Option E is also incorrect as it includes options A and D, which are incorrect.

Question 7

A good scientific theory is one that is _____.

Accepted Answer

A good scientific theory should be parsimonious, meaning that it should use the simplest explanation possible to account for the available evidence. It should also be heuristic, meaning that it should inspire research and generate new predictions. Finally, it should be falsifiable, meaning that it is capable of being tested and potentially proven wrong by evidence. Therefore, all three options are essential for a good scientific theory.

Question 8

John Locke's notion that the mind of a newborn is a tabula rasa implies that human infants are

Accepted Answer

John Locke's notion of a tabula rasa, or blank slate, suggests that individuals are not born with innate ideas or knowledge. Therefore, this implies that human infants are blank slates ready to learn and acquire knowledge through their life experiences. This does not suggest any inherent qualities of goodness or evilness, or limitations on learning.

Question 9

A set of concepts and propositions designed to organize, describe, and explain a set of observations is called

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a preliminary explanation that needs to be tested whereas a theory is a well-substantiated explanation for a set of observations. Therefore, a set of concepts and propositions designed to organize, describe, and explain a set of observations is called a theory. Option A is incorrect because a hypothesis is not yet well-supported by evidence. Option C is incorrect because a factual explanation is a conclusion based on evidence, which may or may not be organized into a theory. Option D is incorrect because an experiment is a specific method used to test hypotheses or theories.

Question 10

The phase of life known as adolescence

Accepted Answer

Adolescence is experienced differently by youth in different eras and cultures due to factors such as societal norms, technology, and education. The concept of adolescence as a distinct phase of life did not emerge until the 20th century, and even today, there is no universal definition of when adolescence begins and ends. Additionally, the challenges and experiences of adolescence can vary widely depending on cultural and societal expectations, as well as individual factors such as socioeconomic status and family dynamics.

Question 11

Which of the following statements best summarizes the current status of the activity-passivity debate?

Accepted Answer

The current understanding in developmental psychology emphasizes that children are active agents in their development. They engage with and influence their environments, which in turn shapes their growth and development. This perspective recognizes the dynamic interaction between the child's innate characteristics and their experiences.

Question 12

Analyses of artwork depicting the activities of children in medieval times implies that, to some extent, children were treated as

Accepted Answer

Analyses of artwork from medieval times suggest that children were often depicted as miniature adults, participating in activities like work, play, and religious ceremonies alongside their elders. This suggests that they were not seen as separate from adults, but rather expected to contribute to their society in similar ways.

Question 13

Socialization is

Accepted Answer

Socialization serves multiple purposes, including regulating behavior, promoting personal growth, and perpetuating the social order. It teaches individuals how to behave in society and reinforces cultural norms and values. Additionally, it helps individuals develop a sense of self and their place in society, promoting personal growth. Finally, socialization ensures that the social order is maintained by transmitting societal expectations and norms to new generations.

Question 14

Which of the following philosophical perspectives would say that parents should carefully monitor the child's activities when they socialize him or her?

Accepted Answer

The doctrine of original sin suggests that children are born with a sinful nature and need guidance and monitoring. The doctrine of tabula rasa, proposed by John Locke, suggests that children are born as blank slates and their experiences shape them, implying the need for careful monitoring and guidance.

Question 15

Historical studies tell us that children in Medieval times were

Accepted Answer

Historical studies show that children in Medieval times were often treated as harshly as adult offenders for criminal offenses. Physical punishment was a common method of discipline, and the concept of "spare the rod, spoil the child" was prevalent. However, it's important to note that this doesn't mean children were always abused or mistreated by their parents, as attitudes and behaviors varied widely across time and place.

Question 16

Proponents of the doctrine of innate purity contend that children are _____ who should be given the freedom to follow their natural inclinations.

Accepted Answer

The doctrine of innate purity views children as "noble savages" who possess innate goodness and should be allowed to freely express themselves without the corrupting influence of society. This belief has origins in the philosophy of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and is often associated with Romanticism. Option B (selfish egoists) and option D (seething cauldrons) do not accurately reflect the view of children held by proponents of innate purity. Option C (tabula rasae) is associated with the belief that the mind is a blank slate at birth, which is not the same as innate purity.

Question 17

Today most developmentalists believe that _____ .

Accepted Answer

Most developmentalists today believe that complex human attributes reflect an interaction between genetic and environmental forces. This view is known as the interactionist perspective, which emphasizes the interplay between biology and experience in shaping human development. This perspective suggests that genetic factors may predispose individuals to certain outcomes, but environmental factors also play a crucial role in determining how genetic and other biological factors are expressed.

Question 18

If a theory is useful because it generates new hypotheses that are capable of being disconfirmed, the theory can be described as

Accepted Answer

A theory that is useful because it generates new hypotheses that can be disconfirmed is both heuristic (meaning it is useful in learning or problem-solving by leading to discoveries or problem solutions) and falsifiable (meaning it can be proven false through evidence or experimentation).

Question 19

Adolescence has been recognized as a distinct phase of life since

Accepted Answer

While adolescence has been a recognized period of development for centuries, it was not until the early 20th century that scholars began to study and define it as a distinct phase of life. The term "adolescence" was first coined in 1904 by psychologist G. Stanley Hall, and his work helped establish adolescence as a unique stage of development with its own set of challenges and opportunities.

Question 20

Theorists who contend that children's behavior reflects "the company they keep" believe that _____ is the most powerful influence on human development.

Accepted Answer

Theorists who believe that children's behavior reflects "the company they keep" emphasize the importance of nurture or environmental factors in shaping human development. While nature (genetics) also plays a role in human development, this perspective emphasizes the powerful impact that socialization experiences have on a child's behavior and development.

Quiz 1: Introduction