Question 1

Which of the following best describes the mechanistic model of development?

Accepted Answer

It conceptualizes people as machines that react to environmental input, emphasizing reactive and continuous development.

Question 2

According to Freud's theory, which part of the personality operates under the pleasure principle and seeks immediate gratification?

Accepted Answer

Id

Question 3

In Piaget's theory, the process of adjusting one's cognitive structures to fit new information is called:

Accepted Answer

Accommodation

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of negative reinforcement?

Accepted Answer

Turning off an annoying buzzer when a seatbelt is fastened.

Question 5

A researcher wants to study the effect of a new teaching method on student performance. She randomly assigns students to either the new method or the traditional method. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The teaching method used

Question 6

Which research design is best suited for tracking individual patterns of continuity and change over time?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal study

Question 7

According to Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theory, which system includes the broader cultural patterns, such as beliefs and political systems?

Accepted Answer

Macrosystem

Question 8

In Bandura's social learning theory, the concept of reciprocal determinism refers to:

Accepted Answer

The person and the environment influencing each other bidirectionally.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about correlation is correct?

Accepted Answer

A correlation of $$+1.0$$ indicates a perfect positive relationship.

Question 10

A psychologist is conducting a study using a random sample. Which of the following best describes a random sample?

Accepted Answer

A sample where every individual in the population has an equal and independent chance of being chosen.

Question 11

Which principle of research ethics requires maximizing potential benefits and minimizing potential harm to participants?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Question 12

In Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, the zone of proximal development (ZPD) refers to:

Accepted Answer

The gap between what a child can do alone and what they can achieve with guidance.

Question 13

Which of the following is a major criticism of the learning perspective in psychology?

Accepted Answer

It fails to account for individual differences present at birth.

Question 14

Which of the following best illustrates qualitative change in development?

Accepted Answer

A person transitioning from not being pregnant to being pregnant.

Question 15

Which of the following is a key feature of evolutionary psychology?

Accepted Answer

It focuses on the adaptive value of behavior for survival and reproduction.

Question 16

A researcher is interested in whether children who keep secrets from their parents have higher levels of depression the following year. Which research design would best allow the researcher to track this relationship over time?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal study

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of an operational definition?

Accepted Answer

Defining 'better performance' as scoring higher on a standardized test.

Question 18

In the context of research methods, what is the main advantage of random assignment?

Accepted Answer

It controls for extraneous variables, making groups statistically equivalent except for the variable being tested.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the information-processing approach to cognitive development?

Accepted Answer

It analyzes the processes involved in making sense of incoming information and performing tasks effectively.

Question 20

A sequential study combines which two research designs to minimize their drawbacks?

Accepted Answer

Cross-sectional and longitudinal study

Chapter Two: Developmental Psychology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards