Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of a 'critical period' in lifespan development?

Accepted Answer

A period during which an experience must occur for a behavior to develop normally.

Question 2

According to Freud's psychoanalytic theory, which component of personality is responsible for immediate gratification of needs and desires?

Accepted Answer

Id

Question 3

A researcher wants to study how children interact with peers in a playground without interfering. Which research method is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic observation

Question 4

Which of the following is a disadvantage of self-report methods in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

They are subject to response biases.

Question 5

In the context of operant conditioning, which of the following is an example of negative reinforcement?

Accepted Answer

Taking away chores when a child gets good grades.

Question 6

Which statement best reflects the difference between continuity and discontinuity in developmental psychology?

Accepted Answer

Continuity suggests development is gradual, while discontinuity suggests it occurs in distinct stages.

Question 7

A correlation coefficient of $$r = -0.85$$ between hours spent partying and test scores indicates:

Accepted Answer

A strong negative correlation.

Question 8

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of a 'third variable problem' in correlational research?

Accepted Answer

A researcher finds a correlation between ice cream sales and drowning incidents, but temperature is the actual cause.

Question 9

Which perspective emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between an individual and their environment?

Accepted Answer

Contextual (Ecological) perspective

Question 10

According to Erikson's psychosocial theory, development consists of:

Accepted Answer

A sequence of 8 stages, each defined by a unique crisis or challenge.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a method commonly used in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

Random assignment

Question 12

Which of the following best describes positive reinforcement in operant conditioning?

Accepted Answer

Adding a pleasant stimulus to increase a behavior.

Question 13

Which research design allows investigators to determine causation?

Accepted Answer

Experimental design

Question 14

Which of the following is a key disadvantage of naturalistic observation?

Accepted Answer

People may behave differently if they know they are being observed.

Question 15

Which theory of development focuses on how behavior is motivated by inner forces and conflicts beyond people's awareness?

Accepted Answer

Psychodynamic perspective

Question 16

Which of the following is true about correlations?

Accepted Answer

Correlations describe the strength and direction of a relationship between variables.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the evolutionary perspective in development?

Accepted Answer

It contends that genetic inheritance determines not only physical traits but also certain personality traits and social behaviors.

Question 18

A psychologist is interested in observing a small group of children over several years to study their language development. Which research method is she using?

Accepted Answer

Case study

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of observational learning?

Accepted Answer

A child learns to tie their shoes by watching their older sibling.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'sensitive period' in development?

Accepted Answer

A period when organisms are susceptible to certain stimuli, but absence of those stimuli does not produce irreversible consequences.

Introduction to Lifespan Development: Key Concepts and Theories

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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