Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It studies how and why people change and remain the same across the lifespan.

Question 2

A researcher wants to study how vocabulary changes as people age. She recruits three groups: 10-year-olds, 30-year-olds, and 60-year-olds, and tests them all at the same time. Which research design is she using?

Accepted Answer

Cross-sectional design

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a gross motor skill?

Accepted Answer

Crawling across the floor

Question 4

During infancy, the brain undergoes rapid development. Which process involves the elimination of unused neural connections to improve the efficiency of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Synaptic pruning

Question 5

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'overextension' in language development?

Accepted Answer

A child calls all four-legged animals 'dog'

Question 6

B.F. Skinner believed that language development is primarily the result of:

Accepted Answer

Environmental influences and reinforcement (nurture)

Question 7

Mary Ainsworth’s 'Strange Situation' procedure is used to assess:

Accepted Answer

Attachment patterns between infants and caregivers

Question 8

Which attachment pattern is most commonly observed in infants and is characterized by exploration of the environment and seeking comfort from the caregiver upon reunion?

Accepted Answer

Secure attachment

Question 9

During adolescence, which brain region is responsible for emotional processing and is fully developed earlier than the prefrontal cortex?

Accepted Answer

Limbic system

Question 10

According to Piaget, which cognitive ability emerges during the formal operational stage in adolescence?

Accepted Answer

Abstract and hypothetical thinking

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between primary and secondary sex characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Primary sex characteristics are directly involved in reproduction, while secondary sex characteristics are physical changes not directly related to reproduction.

Question 12

A 15-year-old believes that everyone at school is constantly watching and judging her, even though this is not the case. According to Piaget, this is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Imaginary audience

Question 13

According to Marcia’s theory of identity development, which status is characterized by both exploration and commitment?

Accepted Answer

Identity achievement

Question 14

Which type of intelligence, according to research, tends to decline in late adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Fluid intelligence

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between implicit (procedural) memory and episodic memory?

Accepted Answer

Implicit memory involves skills and procedures, while episodic memory involves personal experiences.

Question 16

A researcher follows a group of children from age 5 to age 25, testing them every five years. What type of research design is this?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal design

Question 17

Which of the following statements about the nature vs. nurture debate is most accurate according to modern developmentalists?

Accepted Answer

Both genetic and environmental factors interact to influence development.

Question 18

Which of the following is the correct sequence of language development in infants?

Accepted Answer

Cooing, babbling, first words, telegraphic speech

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the changes in the prefrontal cortex during adolescence?

Accepted Answer

It matures later than the limbic system, leading to increased risk-taking behaviors.

Question 20

A child who only uses the word 'ball' to refer to their favorite red ball, but not to other balls, is demonstrating which type of language error?

Accepted Answer

Underextension

Lifespan Development Study Guide – Psychology Concepts and Step-by-Step Guidance

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