Question 1

Children are more likely than adults to imagine several solutions for every problem and then to take care in selecting the best one.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 2

Many developmentalists now believe there is actually a fourth stage of cognitive development called postformal thought.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 3

One of the practical skills of postformal thinking is the ability to combine subjective and objective thought.

Accepted Answer

Postformal thinking involves the ability to consider both one's individual perspective and external facts and evidence in making decisions and problem-solving. This allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to decision-making.

Question 4

The characteristics of postformal thought (practical, flexible, dialectical) are evident as the brain matures.

Accepted Answer

Postformal thought is believed to develop as the brain matures, and its characteristics include practicality, flexibility, and dialectical thinking. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 5

The stage approach to cognitive development analyzes intelligence via IQ tests and other measures.

Accepted Answer

The stage approach to cognitive development, proposed by Jean Piaget, focuses on how children actively construct their understanding of the world through mental structures called schemas. It does not rely solely on IQ tests or other measures of intelligence.

Question 6

A hallmark of postformal cognition is intellectual flexibility, a characteristic far more typical of middle-aged adults than of younger people.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A hallmark of postformal cognition is intellectual...

Question 7

Cognitive flexibility is said to be the most advanced cognitive process.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Cognitive flexibility is said to be the...

Question 8

Dialectical thinking involves the constant integration of beliefs and experiences with all the contradictions and inconsistencies of daily life.

Accepted Answer

Dialectical thinking emphasizes the recognition and reconciliation of opposing ideas, and involves ongoing reflection and synthesis of new information with existing beliefs and experiences. It embraces the complexities and contradictions of reality and seeks to understand them rather than ignore or dismiss them.

Question 9

The older an individual is, the greater the likelihood that she will demonstrate delay discounting.

Accepted Answer

Delay discounting tends to decrease with age, meaning older individuals are generally more likely to value future rewards more than immediate ones compared to younger individuals.

Question 10

The possibility of being negatively stereotyped arouses emotions that could disrupt cognition or emotional regulation.

Accepted Answer

Negative stereotypes can activate emotions such as anxiety or anger, which can interfere with cognitive processes such as memory or decision-making, as well as emotional regulation. This is known as stereotype threat.

Question 11

Cognitive flexibility, particularly the ability to change childhood assumptions, is needed to counter stereotypes.

Accepted Answer

Cognitive flexibility allows individuals to challenge and change their beliefs and assumptions, including those that may be based on stereotypes. Therefore, it is an important tool for countering stereotypes.

Question 12

Individuals in their early 20s are more likely than people of any other age to abuse alcohol and other drugs. However, with personal experience and learning from others, cognitive maturity leads most adults to drink occasionally and moderately from then on.

Accepted Answer

This statement is backed by research and is true. While there are certainly exceptions, in general, individuals in their early 20s are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, including alcohol and drug abuse. Over time, most adults develop greater cognitive maturity and are more likely to drink occasionally and moderately.

Question 13

Young adults who believe that intelligence is plastic, not inborn, can overcome stereotype threat.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Research has shown that individuals who believe that intelligence can be developed and improved through effort (also known as a growth mindset) are less likely to be affected by stereotype threat, which refers to the fear or anxiety of confirming a negative stereotype about one's social group. This is because they view intelligence as malleable rather than fixed or predetermined by one's genetics or inherent ability. By adopting a growth mindset, they can overcome the negative effects of stereotype threat and achieve better academic performance.

Question 14

Without being able to combine intellect and emotion, individuals may experience behavioral extremes (e.g., obesity, addiction) and cognitive extremes (e.g., believing that one is the best person on earth).

Accepted Answer

Combining intellect and emotion allows for more balanced and rational decision-making, which can prevent extreme behaviors and beliefs.

Question 15

Western as well as non-Western cultures describe adult thought as qualitatively similar to adolescent thought.

Accepted Answer

Western cultures historically have described adult thought as more developed and mature than adolescent thought, but some recent theories suggest that cognitive development may not be as distinct between these two stages as previously believed. Non-Western cultures may have different views on cognitive development altogether.

Question 16

Many American children and adults harbor some implicit bias against African Americans, detectable in their slower reaction time when mentally processing photos of African Americans as compared with photos of European Americans.

Accepted Answer

This is supported by research on implicit bias and racial attitudes in the United States.

Question 17

Emerging adults consider most of life's answers to be provisional, not necessarily permanent.

Accepted Answer

Emerging adults are still learning and exploring different possibilities in life, which makes them more likely to view their beliefs and opinions as flexible and subject to change in the future.

Question 18

Listening to others and considering diverse opinions are signs of cognitive flexibility.

Accepted Answer

Cognitive flexibility refers to the ability to change or adapt thinking in response to changing situations or new information. Listening to others and considering diverse opinions are examples of this type of adaptability and demonstrate cognitive flexibility.

Question 19

Postformal thought is more practical as well as more creative and imaginative than earlier stages of thinking.

Accepted Answer

Postformal thought involves the ability to balance emotion and logic, consider multiple perspectives, and use creative and imaginative solutions to problems. These aspects of thinking make it more practical and versatile than earlier stages of thinking.

Question 20

Good time management is characteristic of successful, conscientious, part-time college students more than for full-time students.

Accepted Answer

Part-time college students often have more competing responsibilities, such as work and family, which require effective time management skills in order to balance all commitments. Full-time students may have more uninterrupted time for studying and coursework, but may not face the same level of demands on their time. Thus, good time management is generally more important for part-time college students to succeed.

Quiz 18: Seciton 4: Emerging Adulthood: Cognitive Development