Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main focus of human development as discussed in the chapter?

Accepted Answer

The scientific study of how people change and remain the same over time.

Question 2

According to the chapter, which of the following is a key issue in the study of human development?

Accepted Answer

Nature versus nurture

Question 3

A psychologist is interested in whether intelligence is primarily determined by genetics or by environment. Which key issue in human development is this psychologist investigating?

Accepted Answer

Nature versus nurture

Question 4

Which research method is most likely to be used if a psychologist wants to observe and record behavior without interfering?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation

Question 5

A developmental psychologist wants to test whether a new teaching method improves math skills in children. Which research design would best allow the psychologist to determine causality?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Question 6

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of continuity in human development?

Accepted Answer

A person gradually improves their vocabulary over several years.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of a cross-sectional research design?

Accepted Answer

Comparing the memory abilities of 5-year-olds, 10-year-olds, and 15-year-olds at one point in time.

Question 8

Which of the following statements about research methods in human development is correct?

Accepted Answer

Correlational studies can show relationships but not causality.

Question 9

A researcher finds that as the number of hours children spend reading increases, their vocabulary scores also increase. This is an example of which type of relationship?

Accepted Answer

Positive correlation

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the scientific method as used in developmental psychology?

Accepted Answer

A systematic process for collecting and analyzing data to answer questions.

Question 11

Which of the following is a limitation of cross-sectional research designs?

Accepted Answer

They cannot show changes within individuals over time.

Question 12

A psychologist wants to study how personality traits change from childhood to adulthood. Which research design would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT one of the main goals of developmental research as described in the chapter?

Accepted Answer

To control behavior for profit

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between a theory and a hypothesis in developmental psychology?

Accepted Answer

A theory is a broad explanation, while a hypothesis is a specific prediction.

Question 15

A researcher wants to know if a new parenting program reduces aggressive behavior in children. She randomly assigns families to either participate in the program or not, and measures aggression after six months. Which research method is she using?

Accepted Answer

Experimental method

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a real-world application of developmental research?

Accepted Answer

Using findings from attachment studies to improve foster care systems.

Basic Concepts and Methods in Human Development

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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