In developmental psychology, which of the following best describes history-graded influences?

• A. Biological changes that occur as a result of aging, such as puberty or menopause
• B. Cultural customs and traditions that are passed down from one generation to the next
• C. Events that are experienced by a particular generation and shape their development, such as wars or economic depressions
• D. Unique experiences that are not shared by most people, such as winning a lottery

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of history-graded influences in developmental psychology. These are influences that affect a particular generation due to events or conditions experienced during a specific historical period.
2. Step 2: Differentiate history-graded influences from other types of influences such as biological changes (age-graded), cultural customs (sociocultural), and unique individual experiences (non-normative).
3. Step 3: Recognize that biological changes like puberty or menopause are age-graded influences because they occur as a function of aging, not historical events.
4. Step 4: Identify that cultural customs and traditions are passed down through generations and represent sociocultural influences, not history-graded influences.
5. Step 5: Conclude that history-graded influences are best described as events experienced by a particular generation that shape their development, such as wars or economic depressions, distinguishing them from unique individual experiences.