Deck 9: Lifespan Development

Question 1

A developmental psychologist believes that increased TV watching by young children is responsible for a decline in reading stories when these children enter school.To explore her hypothesis,she records the TV viewing habits of toddlers in a suburban community.She examines these habits again when the children enter kindergarten and again every year until the kids enter the sixth grade.This is the ________ method.

A)cross-sectional
B)longitudinal
C)lifespan
D)correlational

Answer 1

longitudinal

Question 2

A researcher who selects a sample of people of varying ages and studies them at one point in time is by definition,using a ______ design.

A)cohort design
B)longitudinal design
C)lifespan design
D)cross-sectional design

Answer 2

cross-sectional design

Question 3

In a __________design,one group of participants is followed and assessed over a period of time as the group ages.

A)cohort
B)longitudinal
C)lifespan
D)cross-sectional

Answer 3

longitudinal

Question 4

Which of the following types of changes are of interest to a developmental psychologist?

A)physical changes
B)physical and cognitive changes
C)physical,cognitive,and social changes
D)physical,cognitive,social,and emotional changes

Question 5

The study of growth and changes that occur over the course of the entire lifespan is called ________ psychology.

A)physiological
B)evolutionary
C)developmental
D)personality

Question 6

A researcher decides to study cognitive changes in children by tracking a group of 3-year-olds until they reach the age of 18.This researcher is conducting a ________ study.

A)longitudinal
B)correlational
C)cross-sectional
D)lifespan

Question 7

The scientific study of the changes that occur in people as they age from conception to death is called:

A)abnormal psychology.
B)gerontology.
C)developmental psychology.
D)maturational studies.

Question 8

One-year-olds and follows and assesses them for a period of five years.What type of research design is Professor Sanchez using?

A)cohort design
B)longitudinal design
C)lifespan design
D)cross-sectional design

Question 9

A research study in which different groups of people of different ages are compared to assess a particular variable is a __________ study.

A)cross-sectional
B)longitudinal
C)experimental
D)survey

Question 10

A method of studying developmental changes by evaluating the same people at different points in their lives is a ________ study.

A)longitudinal
B)cohort
C)biographical
D)lifespan

Question 11

Dawn is a graduate student investigating the development of fine motor skills.She selects one group of children and assesses their fine motor skills every six months over a six-year period.In this example,Dawn is using a __________ research design.

A)cross-sectional
B)sequential
C)longitudinal
D)cohort

Question 12

Which of the following is a disadvantage of the longitudinal design?

A)Individuals of different ages are being compared to one another.
B)Longitudinal samples are rarely representative.
C)Longitudinal studies fail to track changes over time.
D)Participants may drop out due to moving,loss of interest,or changes in attitude.

Question 13

A method of studying developmental changes by comparing people of different ages at about the same time is a ________ study.

A)longitudinal
B)cohort
C)cross-sectional
D)lifespan

Question 14

A researcher who studies a fixed group of people over a long period of time is,by definition,using the ________ method.

A)lifespan
B)correlational
C)cross-sectional
D)longitudinal

Question 15

Brody reminds her graduate students that development continues until death and that it reflects an ongoing,complex interaction between physical,cognitive,and social factors.Dr.Brody takes a(n)______ approach to human development.

A)multidirectional
B)lifespan
C)longitudinal
D)"old-school"

Question 16

Which of the following statements best summarizes the history of development psychology?

A)In the late 1800s and early 1900s,psychologists began studying children.At the same time,they also began focusing on adult development and aging.
B)In the late 1800s and early 1900s,psychologists began studying children.A decade or two later,they began focusing on adult development and aging.
C)In the late 1800s and early 1900s,psychologists began studying children.In the 1960s and 1970s,they began focusing on adult development and aging.
D)In the late 1930s and 1940s,psychologists began studying children.In the 1960s and 1970s,they began focusing on adult development and aging.

Question 17

A researcher began collecting data on a group of twenty-five children in the late 1970s.She is still compiling data on these individuals,who are now in their early thirties.This researcher is conducting a __________ study.

A)longitudinal
B)cross-sectional
C)case
D)survey

Question 18

Charmaine is interested in going to graduate school to gain expertise in understanding the way in which people experience physical,cognitive,social,and emotional changes over the course of their lives.The type of program that Charmaine should be applying to is __________ psychology.

A)developmental
B)child
C)social
D)ecological

Question 19

The local health department of a small town has hired a research firm to study the development of cancer in residents in the town due to a suspected cancer-causing agent and environmental pollution.The firm will examine data on participants at ages 10,then 20,then 30,and so on,to see if there are increasing rates of cancer in the town.This type of research study uses a _______ design.

A)cross-sectional
B)longitudinal
C)lifespan

Question 20

A psychologist spends her entire career studying how and why changes occur in people throughout their lives.This psychologist is most likely working in the field of:

A)abnormal psychology.
B)gerontology.
C)developmental psychology.
D)maturational studies.

Question 21

It has been reported that average scores on national exams,such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT),have declined in recent years.Researchers interested in exploring this intensively interview students who have just taken the exam,those who took it last year,and those who took it five years ago.This method is:

A)longitudinal.
B)experimental.
C)correlational.
D)cross-sectional.

Question 22

________ refers to heredity and __________ refers to environmental influences.

A)Nature; nurture
B)Cognition; emotion
C)Nurture; behavioral genetics
D)Cross-sectional; longitudinal

Question 23

With ________ development,a sudden burst of ability occurs during certain developmental periods.

A)massed
B)staged
C)critical
D)continuous

Question 24

And grew up in the relative affluence of 1950s "baby boom" America.To the extent that their ideas about life are tied to their time and culture of birth,the differences that exist between George's and Martha's attitudes and values can be largely attributed to ________ differences.

A)age
B)reference group
C)idiosyncratic
D)cohort

Question 25

Smith believes people who are very aggressive have become so because of their life experiences.Dr.Goldberg believes people are more or less aggressive from birth because of genetic factors.Which of the following terms best describes an issue in human development that is highlighted by their disagreement?

A)nature versus nurture
B)cognition versus emotion
C)sensitive vs.critical periods
D)cross-sectional studies versus longitudinal studies

Question 26

A researcher decides to study cognitive changes in children by simultaneously studying groups of 3-year-olds,6-year-olds,9-year-olds,and 12-year-olds.This researcher is conducting a ________ study.

A)cross-sectional
B)strain
C)biographical
D)longitudinal

Question 27

A ________ period begins and ends abruptly at specific ages,and they are the "now or never" times when specific skills must emerge.

A)fetal
B)critical
C)germinal
D)latency

Question 28

The major issue of __________ explores how development is influenced by both genetics and life experiences.

A)continuity/stages
B)nature/nurture
C)critical/sensitive periods
D)stability/change

Question 29

Mark is a graduate student who is studying identity formation.He interviews a group of 5-year-olds,a group of 10-year-olds,and a group of 15-year-olds,and asks them what they plan to be when they finish school.In this example,Mark is using a __________ research design.

A)longitudinal
B)cross-sectional
C)sequential
D)multi-factorial

Question 30

A research study finds that 40-year-olds are better able to solve math problems than 80-year-olds.It is suspected that the differences in problem-solving ability result from the fact that 80-year-olds had fewer opportunities to study math and did not have access to calculators or computers.If true,the study has revealed:

A)experimenter bias.
B)a placebo effect.
C)age-related differences.
D)cohort effects.

Question 31

Most human cells contain ______ chromosomes in normal developmental cases.

A)46 pairs of
B)23
C)23 pairs of
D)2 pairs of

Question 32

Professor Grant is interested in studying the development of a sense of humor.She collects data from groups of 6-year-olds,16-year-olds,26-year-olds,and 46-year-olds.Professor Grant is using a ________ research design.

A)cohort
B)longitudinal
C)correlational
D)cross-sectional

Question 33

Which of the following is a main disadvantage of the cross-sectional design?

A)It does not assess changes over time in one person or group of people.
B)It is relatively expensive.
C)It takes a longer amount of time than a longitudinal study.
D)Participants may drop out due to moving,loss of interest,or death.

Question 34

Irwin is testing the same individuals repeatedly over time as part of a research study,whereas Dr.Jenner is comparing the performance of different people of various ages at the same time.Dr.Irwin is using a _________ research design; Dr.Jenner is using a ________ design.

A)cross-sectional; longitudinal
B)longitudinal; cross-sectional
C)longitudinal; simultaneous
D)sequential; cross-sectional

Question 35

Human beings have ________ pairs of chromosomes in every normal cell.

A)12
B)17
C)23
D)46

Question 36

Which of the following alternatives best captures the relationship between a critical period and a sensitive period?

A)Sensitive periods usually precede critical periods.
B)Sensitive periods are the same thing as critical periods.
C)Sensitive periods are less abrupt and less decisive than critical periods.
D)Sensitive periods are the opposite of critical periods.

Question 37

Differences between individuals who were born and grew up at different times are known as ________.

A)cross-sectional effects
B)reference groups
C)cohort effects
D)cognitive differences

Question 38

A member of a gene pair that can control the appearance of a certain trait only if it is paired with another,similar type gene is a ________ gene.

A)recombinant
B)mutated
C)dominant
D)recessive

Question 39

A group of people born during the same period in historical time is a(n):

A)cohort.
B)peer group.
C)developmental group.
D)age group.

Question 40

How many pairs of chromosomes are normally in each cell of the human body?

A)46
B)23
C)21
D)22

Question 41

Ruiz educates families about the risks associated with inherited disorders and helps families adjust to life with a loved one who has an inherited disorder.Dr.Ruiz is a:

A)behavioral geneticist.
B)developmental counselor.
C)genetic counselor.
D)biopsychologist.

Question 42

The first two weeks of a pregnancy,from conception to implantation,are termed the ________ period.

A)embryonic
B)germinal
C)fetal
D)critical

Question 43

Which of the following describes the embryonic period?

A)the period during which the zygote moves down to the uterus and begins to implant in the lining
B)the period during which the major organs and structures of the organism first develop
C)the period during which the umbilical cord develops
D)the period during which tremendous growth occurs and the organs continue to develop and become functional

Question 44

The correct order of the stages of prenatal development is:

A)fetal stage,embryonic stage,zygotic stage.
B)germinal stage,embryonic stage,fetal stage.
C)zygotic stage,fetal stage,germinal stage.
D)zygotic stage,embryonic stage,fetal stage.

Question 45

A gene that actively controls the expression of a trait is called a ______ gene.

A)recessive
B)mutated
C)recombinant
D)dominant

Question 46

Gwen and her husband are thrilled as they peer into Gwen's uterus by means of an ultrasound.The physician reports that the pregnancy appears normal,and that their baby's fingers,toes,heart,and circulatory system are developing as expected.The couple learns that the baby is just under an inch long.Given this information,the current stage of prenatal development is the:

A)embryonic period.
B)germinal period.
C)zygotic period.
D)fetal stage.

Question 47

The outward expression of one's genetic makeup is known as his/her:

A)phenotype.
B)genotype.
C)genetic imprint.
D)polygenic inheritance.

Question 48

Two weeks after conception,the developing fertilized egg is called a(n):

A)embryo.
B)fetus.
C)zygote.
D)blastocyst.

Question 49

The germinal period:

A)occurs during the first two weeks after fertilization.
B)occurs from 2 to 8 weeks after fertilization.
C)occurs from approximately 8 weeks after fertilization to birth.
D)occurs from 7 to 10 weeks after fertilization.

Question 50

The field of _____ deals with the human problems associated with inherited disorders.

A)behavioral genetics
B)developmental counseling
C)biopsychology
D)genetic counseling

Question 51

The longest part of a pregnancy,from the 8^th week through to birth,is the _______ period.

A)germinal
B)embryonic
C)critical
D)fetal

Question 52

An organism's entire unique genetic makeup is called its:

A)phenotype.
B)genotype.
C)genetic imprint.
D)polygenic inheritance.

Question 53

Harriet is pregnant.Her developing baby is moving and sleeping.It is developing the ability to breathe and swallow.Harriet's baby is in the _________ period of prenatal development.

A)zygotic
B)embryonic
C)fetal
D)umbilical

Question 54

Allen is pregnant.Her baby's major organs have begun to form,as have its facial features.The baby is in the _______ stage of prenatal development.

A)zygotic
B)fetal
C)embryonic
D)neonatal

Question 55

Weeks pregnant,and I already feel SO different!" Wanting to show off your new knowledge of developmental psychology and the prenatal stages,you smugly reply,"It is just so great that your child is in the __________ of development because its organs are just starting to develop!"

A)embryonic
B)fetal
C)zygotic
D)germinal

Question 56

Marisa is at a point in her pregnancy when the zygote is attaching to the wall of her uterus.Which period of prenatal development is Marisa currently experiencing?

A)fetal
B)embryonic
C)placental
D)germinal

Question 57

The heart,lungs,and brain begin to form during the ________ period of prenatal development.

A)fetal
B)zygotic
C)embryonic
D)germinal

Question 58

Tameeka is at a point in her pregnancy during which the major organs and structures of her baby are first developing.Which period of prenatal development is Tameeka currently experiencing?

A)fetal
B)embryonic
C)placental
D)germinal

Question 59

Each of the following is a prenatal stage of development EXCEPT:

A)the perinatal stage.
B)the germinal stage.
C)the embryonic stage.
D)the fetal stage.

Question 60

A person's genetic makeup is his/her:

A)genotype.
B)phenotype.
C)mRNA.
D)genome.

Question 61

Elizabeth is nursing her newborn daughter,and holds the baby up to her breast.As the breast strokes the child's cheek,the child turns her head toward the breast finds her mother's nipple,and begins to feed.This is a demonstration of the __________ reflex.

A)rooting
B)Babinski
C)Moro
D)grasping

Question 62

Days ago.His parents have noticed that he has several reflexes,which the doctors have been testing.Which of the following is NOT a reflex exhibited by healthy newborns?

A)Moro startle reflex
B)rooting reflex
C)walking reflex
D)grasping reflex

Question 63

The Moro startle reflex is concerned with:

A)avoiding pain.
B)feeding.
C)grasping.
D)protection from falling.

Question 64

Andrea has just had a normal,healthy baby.Her newborn is likely to have each of the following reflexes EXCEPT the ________ reflex.

A)rooting
B)cooing
C)Moro startle
D)sucking

Question 65

The reflex that causes a newborn to turn its head toward something touching its cheek and grope around with its mouth is the ________ reflex.

A)sucking
B)rooting
C)Moro startle
D)grasping

Question 66

When an object touches baby Geraldine's palm,she closes her fist tightly around it.If the object is lifted up,Geraldine hangs on and is lifted up with it.Geraldine is demonstrating the ______ reflex.

A)rooting
B)Moro startle
C)grasping
D)sucking

Question 67

Which sense is the LEAST functional at birth?

A)touch
B)taste
C)smell
D)vision

Question 68

Shelley and Julie are mothers who both have a three-month-old infant.Shelley tells Julie,"My son is so fussy," to which Julie replies,"That's funny-my son is so easy." It appears that Shelley and Julie are discussing their newborns':

A)personalities.
B)moods.
C)reflexes.
D)temperaments.

Question 69

Which infant reflex is correctly matched with its description?

A)Moro startle reflex; following a sudden drop in height,an infant extends its arms and legs and quickly brings them in
B)grasping reflex; an infant turns its head toward something touching its cheek
C)sucking reflex; an infant grips something placed in its hand
D)rooting reflex; toes fan out and curl in when sole of foot is stroked

Question 70

Which of the following terms is used to describe any substance,such as a drug,chemical,or virus,that can interrupt normal prenatal development?

A)teratogen
B)critical period
C)carcinogen
D)biohazard

Question 71

Emily's child has facial deformities and displays some mental impairment.If these defects can be traced to a teratogen used by Emily when she was pregnant,which was she most likely abusing?

A)nicotine
B)cocaine
C)marijuana
D)alcohol

Question 72

Toxic agents that compromise an unborn child's development are called:

A)teratogens.
B)androgens.
C)blastocysts.
D)antigens.

Question 73

The rooting reflex refers to a newborn's tendency to:

A)stand up and attempt to walk when placed on its knees.
B)open the mouth to seek food when touched on the cheek.
C)cry when approached by unfamiliar people.
D)close the eyes when startled by loud noises.

Question 74

Barney's mother drank heavily during her pregnancy.Barney has learning disorders and displays some facial abnormalities.Barney is a case of:

A)cerebral palsy.
B)autism.
C)Down syndrome.
D)fetal alcohol syndrome.

Question 75

Among adults,a fear of flying is thought to reflect a fear of falling,or loss of support.In infancy,the ________ reflex protects the infant from falling.

A)rooting
B)grasping
C)sucking
D)Moro startle

Question 76

Which of the following sequence correctly orders the periods of prenatal development with respect to the potential impact of teratogens from least severe to most severe?

A)fetal period → germinal period → embryonic period
B)fetal period → embryonic period → germinal period
C)germinal period → fetal period → embryonic period
D)germinal period → embryonic period → fetal period

Question 77

From the third month after conception until birth,the developing organism is known as a(n):

A)fetus.
B)placenta.
C)neonate.
D)embryo.

Question 78

During which specific period of pregnancy will teratogens have their most negative impact?

A)the first trimester
B)the embryonic stage
C)the germinal stage
D)the second trimester

Question 79

A teratogen is:

A)an environmental agent that can produce a birth defect.
B)a genetic or chromosomal abnormality that may produce a developmental disorder.
C)any physical defect in an unborn child.
D)a fertilized egg that undergoes rapid cell division.

Question 80

Which of the following is NOT one of the three types of temperament described by Thomas and Chess?

A)active
B)slow-to-warm-up
C)difficult
D)easy