Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between continuous and discontinuous change in developmental psychology?

Accepted Answer

Continuous change is gradual and cumulative, while discontinuous change involves distinct stages.

Question 2

According to Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, which system includes the direct environments a child interacts with, such as family and school?

Accepted Answer

Microsystem

Question 3

A researcher wants to study the effects of a new teaching method on math achievement. She randomly assigns students to either the new method or the traditional method. What type of research design is this?

Accepted Answer

Experimental

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a non-normative life event?

Accepted Answer

Surviving a major car accident as a child

Question 5

According to Erikson’s psychosocial theory, what is the primary developmental task during adolescence?

Accepted Answer

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Question 6

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of a sensitive period in development?

Accepted Answer

A child who is never exposed to language in early years may never fully develop language skills.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about nature and nurture is most accurate according to current developmental science?

Accepted Answer

Development results from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors.

Question 8

A psychologist is interested in how children’s moral reasoning changes as they grow older. She interviews groups of 5-, 10-, and 15-year-olds at one point in time. What research design is she using?

Accepted Answer

Cross-sectional

Question 9

Which of the following is a strength of systematic observation in child development research?

Accepted Answer

It provides direct information about behavior in natural settings.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the main idea of Piaget’s cognitive-developmental theory?

Accepted Answer

Children’s thinking develops in distinct stages.

Question 11

A child is born with an extra 21st chromosome. Which condition does this describe?

Accepted Answer

Down syndrome

Question 12

Which of the following is a teratogen that can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why identical twins are useful in behavioral genetics research?

Accepted Answer

They share 100% of their genes, allowing researchers to study genetic influences.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of a critical period in development?

Accepted Answer

Attachment forming in infants shortly after birth

Question 15

Which of the following is a primary function of the left hemisphere of the brain?

Accepted Answer

Producing and understanding language

Question 16

A researcher finds a correlation coefficient of $$r = -0.85$$ between hours of TV watched and grades in school. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

There is a strong negative relationship between TV watching and grades.

Question 17

Which of the following is a key ethical responsibility in child development research?

Accepted Answer

Minimizing risks to research participants

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the main idea of Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory?

Accepted Answer

Children learn through interactions with their social and cultural environment.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of a cohort effect in developmental research?

Accepted Answer

A group of children who all experience a major historical event, such as a war, during their childhood.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the Apgar score?

Accepted Answer

A quick assessment of a newborn’s physical condition immediately after birth

Child Development: Lifespan, Biological, and Cognitive Perspectives

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards