Question 1

On average, the prefrontal cortex of the human brain doesn't reach full maturity until a person's mid-twenties.

Accepted Answer

Research shows that the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and impulse control, continues to develop until a person's mid-twenties.

Question 2

In strong support of Piaget's theory of cognitive development, contemporary researchers have confirmed that virtually all adults display abstract reasoning and other formal operational thought processes in diverse areas of knowledge.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that not all adults consistently use formal operational thought processes across all areas of knowledge, and some may not reach this stage at all.

Question 3

Menarche is a female's first menstrual period, which occurs during puberty.

Accepted Answer

Menarche is indeed a female's first menstrual period, which occurs during puberty.

Question 4

Primary sex characteristics refer to the sex organs that are directly involved in reproduction.

Accepted Answer

Primary sex characteristics refer to organs such as the ovaries, uterus, vagina, testes, and penis which are directly involved in the reproductive process.

Question 5

A century and a half ago, in the United States and in other developed countries, the average age of menarche was 17.

Accepted Answer

The average age of menarche in the 19th century was around 16-17 years old, but it has decreased over time due to improved nutrition and health conditions.

Question 6

Puberty is the stage of adolescence in which an individual reaches sexual maturity and becomes physiologically capable of sexual reproduction.

Accepted Answer

Puberty is indeed the stage of adolescence in which an individual reaches sexual maturity and becomes physiologically capable of sexual reproduction.

Question 7

The Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky is best known for his theory of psychosocial development that has eight distinct stages of development over the lifespan.

Accepted Answer

Lev Vygotsky is actually best known for his theory of sociocultural development and the concept of the zone of proximal development, which emphasizes the importance of social interaction and cultural context in cognitive development.

Question 8

According to the Focus on Neuroscience box on the adolescent brain, research has shown that the developing brain experiences two distinct spurts of brain development, during prenatal development and just before the beginning of puberty.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true according to the Focus on Neuroscience box on the adolescent brain.

Question 9

Critics have argued that Piaget's theory overestimates the cognitive abilities of infants and young children.

Accepted Answer

Critics have argued that Piaget's theory underestimates the cognitive abilities of infants and young children, suggesting they are more capable than Piaget proposed.

Question 10

According to Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky, the "zone of proximal development" refers to the child's acquisition of cognitive skills and knowledge through formal schooling.

Accepted Answer

The zone of proximal development (ZPD) refers to the range of tasks that a child can perform with the help of an adult or more competent peer, but cannot yet perform independently. It is not limited to formal schooling and can include informal learning experiences as well.

Question 11

Twelve-year-old Jason is getting taller and his voice is deepening. Jason is developing secondary sex characteristics.

Accepted Answer

These changes are typical of puberty and the development of secondary sex characteristics.

Question 12

Rather than distinct stages of cognitive development, some developmental psychologists argue that the information-processing model is a better way of describing cognitive development over the lifespan.

Accepted Answer

Some developmental psychologists argue that the information-processing model is a better way of describing cognitive development over the lifespan, rather than distinct stages of cognitive development.

Question 13

The Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky emphasized the importance of social and cultural factors on cognitive development.

Accepted Answer

Lev Vygotsky's sociocultural theory emphasizes the role that cultural and social factors play in cognitive development. He believed that learning takes place through interactions with others and that the cultural context in which a person develops affects their cognitive processes.

Question 14

Girls who are very thin or who are involved in physically demanding sports can experience a delay of up to two years in menarche beyond the average age.

Accepted Answer

This is true, as being underweight or participating in intense physical activity can affect hormonal balance and delay the onset of menstruation.

Question 15

On average, girls experience the physical changes associated with puberty about two years earlier than boys.

Accepted Answer

This is true. Girls typically begin puberty between the ages of 8 and 13, while boys typically begin around the ages of 9 to 14.

Question 16

According to the Focus on Neuroscience box on the adolescent brain, the most likely explanation for impulsive and erratic behavior in adolescence is immaturity of the prefrontal cortex.

Accepted Answer

The prefrontal cortex is responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, impulse control, and planning. As it continues to develop in adolescence, immature functioning may lead to impulsive and erratic behavior.

Question 17

According to the Focus on Neuroscience box on the adolescent brain, a key process in brain maturation from the adolescent years to adulthood is the pruning of unused neurons and neuronal connections.

Accepted Answer

The pruning of unused neurons and neuronal connections is a key process in brain maturation during the adolescent years and into adulthood.

Question 18

Brain-imaging studies have shown that there are three main spurts of brain development, and they occur at roughly six-year intervals, most commonly at ages eight, 14, and 20.

Accepted Answer

Brain development occurs continuously, but significant spurts are typically observed in early childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, not strictly at six-year intervals.

Question 19

According to the Focus on Neuroscience box on the adolescent brain, the amount of gray matter in the brain peaks at about age 11 for girls and age 12 for boys.

Accepted Answer

During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant changes, including the peak of gray matter volume, which typically occurs around age 11 for girls and age 12 for boys, reflecting the timeline of brain maturation.

Question 20

Generally, well-nourished and healthy children begin puberty later than children who have experienced serious health problems or inadequate nutrition.

Accepted Answer

Well-nourished and healthy children typically begin puberty earlier than those who have experienced serious health problems or inadequate nutrition.

Quiz 9: Lifespan Development