Question 1

Which of the following best describes the nature-nurture controversy in developmental psychology?

Accepted Answer

It is a long-standing dispute over the relative importance of genetic inheritance (nature) versus environmental factors (nurture) in shaping human behaviors and outcomes.

Question 2

In classic twin studies, what is the main finding regarding intelligence when comparing identical twins raised apart versus together?

Accepted Answer

Identical twins raised apart tend to have similar intelligence levels, suggesting a strong genetic component.

Question 3

Which of the following is considered a teratogen that can negatively affect prenatal development?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol

Question 4

According to Piaget, which stage of cognitive development is characterized by the ability to perform mental operations but not yet capable of abstract thought?

Accepted Answer

Concrete operational stage

Question 5

A child who understands that the amount of liquid remains the same when poured into a differently shaped glass is demonstrating which concept?

Accepted Answer

Conservation

Question 6

Mary Ainsworth’s laboratory setting for studying attachment involved which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Mothers leaving their children in a room with toys and observing their reactions upon return

Question 7

Which parenting style is most strongly associated with positive child outcomes such as self-discipline and social competence?

Accepted Answer

Authoritative

Question 8

According to Erikson’s psychosocial stages, what is the principal challenge for children aged 1.5 to 3 years?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy vs. self-doubt

Question 9

A child who believes that a statue of liberty is just a woman holding a torch, without understanding its symbolic meaning, is likely in which Piagetian stage?

Accepted Answer

Preoperational

Question 10

Which of the following best illustrates Piaget’s concept of assimilation?

Accepted Answer

A child who breastfeeds and then translates this sucking action to a toy or thumb.

Question 11

Which statement about object permanence is correct according to Piaget’s theory?

Accepted Answer

Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen.

Question 12

Which of the following is a real-world example of Erikson’s stage of 'identity vs. role confusion'?

Accepted Answer

A teenager struggling to decide on a career path and feeling lost about their future.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between assimilation and accommodation in Piaget’s theory?

Accepted Answer

Assimilation involves fitting new information into existing schemas, while accommodation involves changing schemas to fit new information.

Question 14

Which attachment style is characterized by a child who is agitated and upset when the mother leaves, but is not comforted upon her return?

Accepted Answer

Anxious ambivalent attachment

Question 15

A researcher finds that children with uninvolved parents are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors. Which concept does this best illustrate?

Accepted Answer

The influence of parenting style on social and emotional development

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why identical twins raised in different environments may still show similarities in intelligence?

Accepted Answer

Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in intelligence.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a principal challenge in Erikson’s psychosocial stages?

Accepted Answer

Conservation vs. egocentrism

Question 18

A child who can mentally reverse actions, such as pouring water back and forth between containers, is most likely in which Piagetian stage?

Accepted Answer

Concrete operational

Question 19

Which formula best represents the concept of conservation in Piaget’s theory when comparing the volume of liquid in two differently shaped glasses?

Accepted Answer

$$V_1$$ = $$V_2$$

Question 20

If a child is able to think abstractly and understand hypothetical concepts, which Piagetian stage are they most likely in?

Accepted Answer

Formal operational

Developmental Psychology: Human Development Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards