Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main focus of developmental psychology?

Accepted Answer

The study of human physical, cognitive, social, and behavioral characteristics across the lifespan.

Question 2

A researcher wants to study how children’s speech sounds before they can even hear. Which research method would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Prenatal observational research

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a dependent variable in a study on infant speech sounds?

Accepted Answer

The number of speech sounds infants make

Question 4

Which of the following is a teratogen that was prescribed to treat morning sickness but caused birth defects?

Accepted Answer

Thalidomide

Question 5

According to Harlow’s research with monkeys, what was the primary factor in forming attachment?

Accepted Answer

Contact comfort

Question 6

Which attachment style is characterized by a child who is upset when the caregiver leaves, but is not comforted by their return?

Accepted Answer

Ambivalent

Question 7

Which parenting style is most likely to produce children who are self-reliant, socially competent, and independent?

Accepted Answer

Authoritative

Question 8

A child who only feels worthy of love when they perform well academically is likely experiencing which type of parental love?

Accepted Answer

Conditional love

Question 9

According to Piaget, at what stage do children begin to use logical and abstract thinking?

Accepted Answer

Formal operational stage

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'theory of mind'?

Accepted Answer

The ability to understand that others have different perspectives and beliefs

Question 11

Which of the following is a risk factor for adolescent risk-taking behavior?

Accepted Answer

Increased peer pressure and sensation seeking

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a real-world application of Piaget’s concept of object permanence?

Accepted Answer

A child searching for a hidden toy under a blanket

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the Socioemotional Selectivity Theory in late adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Older adults prioritize meaningful relationships and positive emotions.

Question 14

Which of the following is a protective factor for marital satisfaction after children?

Accepted Answer

Strong emotional support and shared management

Question 15

A researcher is interested in how IQ scores change with age. Which research design would best suit this study?

Accepted Answer

Cross-sectional design

Question 16

Which of the following is a common misconception about attachment theory?

Accepted Answer

Attachment styles are fixed and cannot change.

Question 17

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'conditional love' in parenting?

Accepted Answer

A parent who only shows affection when the child gets good grades

Question 18

Which of the following is a likely outcome for children raised by uninvolved parents?

Accepted Answer

Social withdrawal and poor academic performance

Question 19

Which of the following is a key factor in fostering a child’s emotional and social development?

Accepted Answer

Consistent emotional support and responsiveness

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the main reason why adolescents are more likely to engage in risky behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Their prefrontal cortex is still developing, leading to impulsivity.

Lifespan Development: Structured Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions