Question 1

While researching a paper for his course in developmental psychology, Kiran read about a theorist who proposed that the development of moral reasoning involves distinct stages that unfold in an age-related step-by-step fashion. This theorist is:

Accepted Answer

The theorist who proposed distinct stages of moral reasoning was Lawrence Kohlberg. Piaget's theory was focused on cognitive development, Erikson's theory focused on psychosocial development, and Vygotsky's theory focused on social interaction and cognitive development.

Question 2

Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development holds that:

Accepted Answer

Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development posits that psychosocial development is a lifelong process, with each stage marked by a particular psychosocial conflict that can be resolved in a positive or negative way. The resolution of these conflicts shapes an individual's personality and overall psychosocial functioning. Therefore, option D is the correct answer. Options A and B are incorrect as they either limit the scope of development to childhood or suggest that psychosocial development does not begin until adulthood. Option C is incorrect as it suggests that psychosocial development is complete by middle adulthood, which contradicts the lifelong nature of Erikson's theory.

Question 3

Dr. Alberto is interested in the aspects of cognitive development that have to do with how individuals reason about ethical decisions and how they decide what is right and wrong. The focus of his research is likely to be:

Accepted Answer

Dr. Alberto's interest in how individuals reason about ethical decisions and decide what is right and wrong indicates a focus on the development of moral reasoning, making choice C the best option. Choices A, B, and D do not directly relate to the specific area of cognitive development that Dr. Alberto is interested in.

Question 4

According to Erikson's theory, in late adulthood, regret is to _____ as self-acceptance and pride is to _____.

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory, in late adulthood, the crisis individuals face is ego integrity versus despair. Regret is a characteristic of despair, which leads to feelings of disappointment and dissatisfaction with one's life. On the other hand, self-acceptance and pride are characteristics of ego integrity, which is the outcome of successfully resolving the crisis of late adulthood. This involves accepting one's life and experiences and feeling a sense of pride in one's accomplishments. Therefore, regret is to despair as self-acceptance and pride are to ego integrity, making option C the correct answer.

Question 5

Moral reasoning is defined as the aspect of cognitive development:

Accepted Answer

Moral reasoning is the aspect of cognitive development that is concerned with how individuals reason about moral decisions. It involves their ability to distinguish right from wrong and make ethical judgments based on their understanding of the principles of fairness, justice, and empathy.

Question 6

Despite the fact that Crystal is doing above average work in fourth grade, her father tells her that her grades are unsatisfactory and that she is not working hard enough. According to Erikson's theory, Crystal is likely to develop a pervasive sense of:

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory posits that during the fourth stage of development (industry vs. inferiority), children begin to compare themselves to others and develop a sense of industry or competence in their ability to complete tasks. If a child is met with continual criticism or disappointment, as Crystal is in this scenario, they may develop a pervasive sense of inferiority. This can impact their self-esteem and willingness to take on new challenges.

Question 7

Gayle is very inconsistent in the care she gives her new baby. Often, she neglects the baby's needs and is emotionally cold toward the infant. In terms of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the baby is likely to develop:

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the first stage is trust vs. mistrust. If a caregiver consistently neglects a baby's needs and is emotionally cold, the baby may develop a sense of mistrust and a foundation of insecurity. This can lead to lifelong difficulties in forming trusting relationships. Therefore, the baby in this scenario is likely to develop mistrust.

Question 8

Which of the following represents the correct order of the first four psychosocial conflicts that characterize infancy and the childhood years in Erikson's theory?

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory, the first four psychosocial conflicts that characterize infancy and childhood years are trust versus mistrust, autonomy versus doubt, initiative versus guilt, and industry versus inferiority. Therefore, option A represents the correct order of these conflicts. Options B and C have two of these conflicts out of order, and option D includes an additional stage that occurs during adolescence, which is not a part of the infancy and childhood years.

Question 9

According to Erikson's theory, the psychosocial conflict that needs to be resolved during adolescence is:

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory suggests that the primary psychosocial conflict during adolescence is the need to establish a sense of identity versus falling into confusion about one's role in society. During this phase, teenagers begin to grapple with questions about who they are, what they believe, and what their place is in the world. Successfully resolving this conflict requires that individuals develop a strong sense of self, a clear understanding of their values and goals, and a sense of direction for their lives. Failure to resolve this conflict can lead to a sense of aimlessness, confusion, and an inability to establish meaningful relationships.

Question 10

Which of the following represents the correct order of the four psychosocial conflicts that characterize the adolescent and adult years in Erikson's theory?

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory, the four psychosocial conflicts that characterize the adolescent and adult years are identity versus role confusion, intimacy versus isolation, generativity versus stagnation, and ego integrity versus despair. Option B represents the correct order of these conflicts. Option A has the correct conflicts but in the wrong order. Option C has the correct conflicts but the wrong order. Option D includes an incorrect psychosocial conflict (industry versus inferiority) that is characteristic of the childhood years.

Question 11

When Ryan brings home his spelling and math papers from the second grade, Ryan's stepmother expresses pride in his work and posts the papers on the refrigerator for the other family members to see. In terms of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, Ryan's stepmother is fostering a sense of _____ in Ryan.

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory, the stage of psychosocial development during elementary school years is the industry vs. inferiority stage. Success in this stage involves developing feelings of competence and accomplishment in one's abilities. By expressing pride in Ryan's work and displaying it for others to see, his stepmother is helping to foster a sense of industry and competence in him.

Question 12

Thirty-year-old Alayna is painfully shy and so sensitive to rejection that she rarely talks to people other than her coworkers and her family members. Occasionally, a man asks her out, but she always refuses. She spends a good deal of time reading and writing in her diary about her loneliness and other feelings. According to Erikson's theory, Alayna is facing the psychosocial conflict of _____ and is likely to develop _____.

Accepted Answer

Alayna's avoidance of relationships and her feelings of loneliness suggest that she is struggling with the psychosocial conflict of intimacy versus isolation. If she continues to avoid relationships and isolate herself, she is likely to develop a sense of isolation and loneliness.

Question 13

According to Erikson, during the moratorium period of adolescent identity achievement, the adolescent:

Accepted Answer

During the moratorium period, which is a stage in Erikson's theory of identity development, the adolescent is actively exploring different roles, values, and beliefs without making any firm commitments. This phase is marked by experimentation and exploration, allowing the adolescent to gain knowledge and experiences that can inform their eventual decisions about their identity. Therefore, option A is the correct choice.

Question 14

_____ proposed that each stage of the lifespan is associated with a particular psychosocial conflict that needs to be resolved.

Accepted Answer

Erik Erikson proposed the theory of psychosocial development, which includes eight stages of development, each associated with a particular psychosocial conflict that needs to be resolved to successfully move on to the next stage of development.

Question 15

According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, infancy is characterized by the psychosocial conflict of:

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory states that during the first year of life, infants develop either a sense of trust or mistrust towards their caregivers. This forms the basis for their future relationships and ability to trust others.

Question 16

Regarding Erikson's conclusions about identity development in adolescence, psychological research has shown that:

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that personal identity begins to take shape in adolescence but it continues to evolve throughout the lifespan. Therefore, Erikson's conclusion that identity development is a lifelong process is supported by psychological research. Option A is incorrect because personal identity is a dynamic and evolving process, and it can be continuously revisited and revised throughout adulthood. Option C and D are both incorrect because personal identity is a critical aspect of psychological and social development, and most adolescents do concern themselves with identity-related issues.

Question 17

Rob has put all of his energies into his job as a stockbroker, often working 12 or more hours a day and usually working on weekends. Because of this self-absorption and a preoccupation with his own needs, Rob has been very successful and, by the age of 45, has already amassed what amounts to a small fortune. Although he continues to put in long hours at work, he is beginning to feel dissatisfied and bored with his life. According to Erikson's theory, Rob is probably facing the psychosocial conflict of _____ and is likely to develop _____.

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the developmental stage that occurs during middle adulthood is generativity versus stagnation. This stage involves a focus on contributing to society and the next generation, and those who are not able to do so may experience feelings of stagnation and dissatisfaction. Rob's preoccupation with work and lack of focus on other areas of his life suggests that he may be experiencing this conflict, and his growing dissatisfaction with his life may be a sign of stagnation.

Question 18

Nicholas is 15 years old. Talking with his friends, he says, "Sometimes I think I would like to be a scientist, someone who makes discoveries that help people. Then I think that maybe a career in politics or medicine is more my style. I can't decide whether I should study premed, prelaw, or maybe microbiology." It is likely that Nicholas is in the _____ of identity development.

Accepted Answer

Nicholas is in the moratorium period of identity development, where he is actively exploring different options and has not yet committed to a specific career or identity. The generativity phase and ego integrity stage occur later in life, while the integrated identity stage is the final stage of identity development where one has a clear sense of self and identity.

Question 19

Lawrence Kohlberg is best known for:

Accepted Answer

Lawrence Kohlberg is best known for proposing an influential theory of moral development, which outlines six stages of moral reasoning that individuals progress through as they mature.

Question 20

According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the early childhood years from age three to six are characterized by the psychosocial conflict of:

Accepted Answer

According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the psychosocial conflict of the early childhood years from age three to six is initiative versus guilt. This stage is characterized by children's desire to explore their environment, take on new challenges, and assert their independence. Success in this stage leads to a sense of purpose and accomplishment, while failure can lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy.

Quiz 9: Lifespan Development