Question 1

In Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory,the constantly changing temporal component of the environment that can influence development is called the

Accepted Answer

The term that refers to the constantly changing temporal component of the environment in Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory is the chronosystem. The microsystem (A) refers to the immediate environment in which an individual lives, the exosystem (B) refers to the external settings in which an individual does not participate directly, but that can still affect them, and the mesosystem (C) refers to the connections and interactions between different microsystems.

Question 2

An ecological systems theorist interested in how the immediate environment,provided in such settings as the home,school,workplace,and neighborhood,directly influences development would focus her research on the

Accepted Answer

Ecological systems theory suggests that development is influenced by multiple levels of environment, including the microsystem (immediate settings and relationships), mesosystem (connections between microsystems), exosystem (indirect environmental factors), and macrosystem (cultural values and beliefs). In this case, the researcher is specifically interested in the immediate environment of the home, school, workplace, and neighborhood, which would fall under the microsystem.

Question 3

An ecological systems theorist interested in the major historical events and the broad values,practices,and customs promoted by a culture would focus her research on the

Accepted Answer

The macrosystem refers to the larger cultural and social systems, beliefs, values, and practices that shape an individual's development. An ecological systems theorist interested in major historical events and cultural values would focus on studying the macrosystem. The mesosystem refers to the relationships and interactions between different microsystems, the exosystem refers to the external settings that indirectly impact an individual's development, and the chronosystem refers to the impact of time and changes over the course of a person's life.

Question 4

An ecological systems theorist interested in how environmental settings indirectly affect the child by influencing the various microsystems forming the child's immediate environment would focus his research on the

Accepted Answer

An ecological systems theorist interested in how environmental settings indirectly affect the child would focus on the exosystem, which includes settings in which the child is not directly involved but which still have an impact on the child's development.

Question 5

When Pablo was born,he had a hearing problem that was not detected until he was four years old.Although the doctors were able to correct his problem and his hearing was fully restored,Pablo still cannot speak as well as children born with normal hearing.This example is good evidence for

Accepted Answer

This example is evidence for a sensitive period for acquiring vocal speech because even though Pablo's hearing was fully restored, he still cannot speak as well as children born with normal hearing. This suggests that there may be a critical period during which language acquisition occurs and that missing this period can lead to lasting difficulties.

Question 6

Brief periods in which specific kinds of experiences have significant positive or negative consequences for development are referred to as

Accepted Answer

Sensitive periods refer to brief periods of time during development when a child is biologically prepared to acquire specific skills or knowledge, such as language or social skills. During these periods, experiences have a significant impact on development, either positively or negatively.

Question 7

On a farm in Indiana,a little duck hatched near the dog house.The first stimulus the duck encountered was a dog,and the baby duck began to follow the dog in the hope of being fed and protected.This is an example of

Accepted Answer

This is an example of imprinting, a form of learning in which a young animal forms an attachment to the first moving object it encounters, usually its mother. In this case, the duckling imprinted on the dog and began to follow it as if it were its mother.

Question 8

According to Vygotsky's sociohistorical theory,

Accepted Answer

Vygotsky's sociohistorical theory emphasizes the role of culture and social interaction in cognitive development. Language is seen as a fundamental tool that allows children to communicate and interact with others, which in turn facilitates their cognitive growth. Therefore, choice C is the best answer.

Question 9

Lewis studies the influence of mass media on child development,whereas Dr.Murphy studies the influence of cultural attitudes upon the media.Therefore,Dr.Lewis studies the ________ and Dr.Murphy studies the ________.

Accepted Answer

Dr. Lewis focuses on the exosystem, which involves larger societal systems that do not contain the developing person but affect them indirectly (e.g., mass media's influence on child development). Dr. Murphy examines the macrosystem, which encompasses the overarching patterns of culture, beliefs, and values that influence the systems within it, including how cultural attitudes shape media.

Question 10

________ is a form of learning that is difficult to reverse because it occurs during a sensitive period in development in which an organism tends to stay near a particular stimulus.

Accepted Answer

The description refers to imprinting, which is a type of learning characterized by a sensitive period during development and a tendency to form a strong, irreversible association with a specific stimulus. Bonding and attachment are related to social bonding and emotional attachment, but they do not necessarily involve a specific sensitive period or irreversible learning. Shadowing refers to a learning technique in which a learner repeats a model's actions or words, but it does not involve a sensitive period or strong association with a specific stimulus.

Question 11

All theories of development are ultimately concerned with a single question:

Accepted Answer

The question of "what develops" is the central question that all theories of development aim to answer. The other answer choices, while related, do not encompass the broad scope of developmental theories.

Question 12

________ is the theoretical orientation and discipline concerned with the evolutionary origins of behavior and its adaptive and survival value in animals,including humans.

Accepted Answer

Ethology is the study of animal behavior, particularly in the natural environment. It focuses on the evolutionary and adaptive basis of behavior, and seeks to understand how behavior contributes to an animal's survival and reproduction. In humans, ethology also considers the influence of culture and social interactions on behavior. Ecology, morphology, and oncology are unrelated fields of study.

Question 13

Dr.Applegate believes that all behavior is the result of naturally selected actions that ensure the survival of the organism.The theoretical position closest to Dr.Applegate's belief is

Accepted Answer

Ethological theory posits that behavior is influenced by natural selection and genetic factors that ensure the survival of the organism. This closely aligns with Dr. Applegate's belief that all behavior is the result of naturally selected actions that ensure the survival of the organism. The other options, transactional theory, behavior analysis, and learning theory, do not specifically emphasize the role of natural selection in shaping behavior to ensure survival.

Question 14

________ is a theoretical orientation that explains development as the emerging organization arising from the interaction of many different processes.

Accepted Answer

Dynamic systems theory proposes that development is a result of the complex interaction between different systems, such as physical, cognitive, and social-emotional, and that these systems are constantly adapting and changing in response to one another. This approach emphasizes the importance of context and individual differences in shaping development.

Question 15

In Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory,the ________ is concerned with the interrelationships among the various settings of the microsystem.

Accepted Answer

The mesosystem is the level in Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory that focuses on the connections and relationships between different aspects of the microsystem. This includes interactions between family members, between teachers and students, or between peers in the community.

Question 16

According to Vygotsky,as children are exposed to the culture into which they are born

Accepted Answer

According to Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, children learn from the culture they are born into and gradually internalize the practices and beliefs of that culture. This process is known as internalization, and it is a key mechanism that underlies cognitive development. Vygotsky believed that cultural factors play a critical role in shaping children's development, and that cultural practices and beliefs are transmitted to children through interactions with more knowledgeable peers and adults.

Question 17

The importance of complex developmental transactions becomes especially apparent when

Accepted Answer

Complex developmental transactions are particularly evident when psychologists attempt to alter the course of development, as this involves understanding and intervening in the intricate interplay of factors that influence human growth and change.

Question 18

One of the more important implications of ________ is that development is not controlled or regulated by any one particular factor,such as genes,child-rearing,or any specific experience.

Accepted Answer

The statement about development not being controlled by any one particular factor aligns with the principles of dynamic systems theory, which emphasizes the complex interactions and interplay between multiple factors in shaping development. Information-processing theory and ethological theory focus on more specific aspects of development, while psychosocial theory emphasizes the role of social and psychological factors, but does not specifically address the idea of multiple influences on development.

Question 19

Dr.Willis believes that development is a never-ending transaction involving reciprocal exchanges between the child and his or her environment.Thus,in studying cases of extremely premature infants,Dr.Willis would likely be interested in

Accepted Answer

Dr. Willis believes in the reciprocal exchanges between the child and environment in developmental processes, so he would be interested in the cyclical effects of the infant's condition upon the mother's caregiving style and the effects of that style upon the infant as well. Therefore, option D is the best choice.

Question 20

Vygotsky's developmental theory,which emphasizes the importance of culturally determined tools,symbols,and ways of thinking that the child acquires from more knowledgeable members of the community,is called ________ theory.

Accepted Answer

Vygotsky's theory emphasizes the role of culture and social interactions in child development, and how a child's cognitive processes are influenced by the tools, symbols, and ways of thinking that they acquire from more knowledgeable members of their community. This theory is referred to as the sociocultural theory.

Quiz 1: Themes and Theories