Question 1

Humans are evolutionarily primed to be attracted to and respond to babies according to which theory of child development?
A) Sociocultural Theory
B) Learning Theory
C) Cognitive Theory
D) Ethological Perspective

Accepted Answer

The Ethological Perspective emphasizes the biological and evolutionary basis of behavior, suggesting that humans are naturally predisposed to respond to babies in ways that ensure their survival, such as finding them cute and wanting to care for them. This perspective highlights the adaptive nature of behaviors that have evolved to increase the chances of survival of the species.

Question 2

One strength of longitudinal studies is:
A) the ability to measure developmental change over time.
B) the ability to observe children in their natural environments.
C) the variables are closely controlled by the researcher.
D) allows for an extensive study of one participant.

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal studies are designed to measure how individuals change over time, making them particularly useful for studying developmental changes.

Question 3

Studies show that the more violent TV a child watches the more aggressive behaviors they show in interactions with other kids. This is an example of:
A) strong correlation.
B) positive correlation.
C) weak correlation.
D) negative correlation.

Accepted Answer

This is an example of a positive correlation because as the amount of violent TV watched increases, so does the level of aggressive behavior, indicating that both variables move in the same direction.

Question 4

Parents' interactions with children's teachers are part of the system that according to Brofenbrenner's Ecological Model is called the:
A) Microsystem.
B) Mesosystem.
C) Exosystem.
D) Macrosystem.

Accepted Answer

The Mesosystem in Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Model refers to the interactions between the different parts of a person's microsystem. This includes how a child's family interacts with their school or teachers, making choice B the correct answer.

Question 5

A skill level above a child's current skill level that they can perform with assistance is known as:
A) Accommodation.
B) Assimilation.
C) Zone of Proximal Development.
D) Critical Period.

Accepted Answer

The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) is a concept developed by Soviet psychologist Lev Vygotsky. It refers to the range of tasks that a child can perform with the help and guidance of others but cannot yet perform independently. This concept is central to Vygotsky's theory of learning and development, emphasizing the importance of social interaction in cognitive development.

Question 6

An independent variable is:
A) the variable that changes systematically as the dependent variable is manipulated.
B) the variable that the experimenter manipulates in order to measure its impact on the dependant variable.
C) the type of behavior that is measured by the experimenter.
D) any variable that could impact the dependent variable that has not been considered by the experimenter.

Accepted Answer

The independent variable is the one that the experimenter manipulates to see if it causes a change in the dependent variable, making choice B correct.

Question 7

Some theorists assert that children learn language by listening to the adults around them; others argue that children are born with an innate language ability. These different arguments are represented which theme in child development?
A) continuity and discontinuity
B) universality and diversity
C) social learning and psychodynamic
D) nature and nurture

Accepted Answer

The debate between whether children learn language through their environment (listening to adults) or are born with an innate ability to acquire language reflects the nature (innate abilities) versus nurture (environmental influences) theme in child development.

Question 8

The term ___________ usually refers to the influence of genetic material passed on at the point of conception.
A) nurture
B) nature
C) continuity
D) discontinuity

Accepted Answer

The term "nature" refers to the genetic inheritance and other biological factors that shape who we are, from physical appearance to personality traits. This contrasts with "nurture," which involves the environmental variables and experiences that influence our development after birth.

Question 9

Those who see development as characterized mainly by ____________ emphasize that development occurs via a slow but continual processes of change.
A) universality
B) diversity
C) continuity
D) discontinuity

Accepted Answer

Those who view development as primarily characterized by continuity believe that development happens through gradual, ongoing changes rather than through sudden shifts or stages. This perspective emphasizes a smooth progression rather than distinct steps or phases.

Question 10

Theorists who suggest that children develop in "leaps and bounds" such that they develop skills at once with other periods of little development.
A) universality
B) diversity
C) continuity
D) discontinuity

Accepted Answer

Theorists who suggest that children develop in "leaps and bounds" are advocating for a discontinuity perspective. This perspective posits that development occurs in distinct stages or steps, with periods of rapid change followed by periods of little change.

Question 11

In cultures around the world, infants show the same facial expression when feeling distress this demonstrates the theme of:
A) universality.
B) diversity.
C) nature.
D) nurture.

Accepted Answer

The fact that infants around the world show the same facial expression when feeling distress illustrates the theme of universality, indicating that certain behaviors or reactions are common across all human cultures, suggesting an innate or biological basis.

Question 12

Early theorists asserted that at the moment of conception a tiny, fully formed human was implanted in the sperm of egg. This human form was known as a:
A) blank slate
B) innate goodness
C) homunculus
D) apprentice

Accepted Answer

The term "homunculus" refers to the concept of a fully formed, miniature human being that early theorists believed existed in a sperm or egg at the moment of conception. This idea was part of preformationism, a theory of development that has since been disproven.

Question 13

There is some evidence that children were once considered little adults and were given adult responsibilities.

Accepted Answer

Historically, in many cultures, children were indeed considered small adults and were expected to take on adult responsibilities at a young age. This perspective was particularly prevalent before the modern concept of childhood emerged, which recognizes distinct developmental stages and the need for a prolonged period of nurturing and education.

Question 14

Which theorist suggested that children were blank slates whose development is primarily influenced by environmental circumstances?
A) Phillipe Aries
B) John Locke
C) John Watson
D) Charles Darwin

Accepted Answer

John Locke proposed the idea that children are born as blank slates (tabula rasa) and that their experiences and environment shape their development.

Question 15

Early theorist John Locke was opposed to the use of physical punishment.

Accepted Answer

John Locke was indeed opposed to the use of physical punishment, advocating instead for more rational and humane methods of education and discipline, emphasizing the importance of reason and persuasion over force.

Question 16

Rousseau believed that an interest in social relationships begins in:
A) infancy.
B) toddlerhood.
C) middle childhood.
D) adolescence.

Accepted Answer

Rousseau believed that an interest in social relationships begins in adolescence, as he viewed this stage as a time when individuals become more aware of and interested in their social environment and relationships.

Question 17

Rousseau's ideas about child development could be classified as having an emphasis on nurture.

Accepted Answer

Rousseau's ideas about child development emphasize nature, as he believed that children develop naturally and should be allowed to grow without undue interference from society.

Question 18

Which classroom strategy would Rousseau endorse?
A) teachers lecturing students about subjects
B) an emphasis on structured play and imagination
C) providing activities and materials for children to explore on their own
D) having a supportive adult helping children with activities that are above their current ability

Accepted Answer

Rousseau believed in natural education, where children learn best through exploration and interaction with their environment, rather than through direct instruction or structured activities.

Question 19

Darwin kept an extensive record of his son's development known as a:
A) Developmental Journal.
B) Baby Biography.
C) Memory Books.
D) Infant Schedule.

Accepted Answer

Darwin documented his observations of his son's development in a detailed record known as a "Baby Biography," which contributed to the field of developmental psychology.

Question 20

Darwin believed that individual development reflects the changes through species evolution.

Accepted Answer

This concept is known as recapitulation theory, which suggests that the development of an individual organism (ontogeny) mirrors the evolutionary development of its species (phylogeny). Although not fully supported in its original form, this idea was influenced by Darwin's evolutionary theory.

Quiz 1: Introduction to Child Development Basic Concepts and Issues

Humans are evolutionarily primed to be attracted to and respond to babies according to which theory of child development?

One strength of longitudinal studies is:

Studies show that the more violent TV a child watches the more aggressive behaviors they show in interactions with other kids. This is an example of:

Parents' interactions with children's teachers are part of the system that according to Brofenbrenner's Ecological Model is called the:

A skill level above a child's current skill level that they can perform with assistance is known as:

An independent variable is:

Some theorists assert that children learn language by listening to the adults around them; others argue that children are born with an innate language ability. These different arguments are represented which theme in child development?

The term ___________ usually refers to the influence of genetic material passed on at the point of conception.

Those who see development as characterized mainly by ____________ emphasize that development occurs via a slow but continual processes of change.

Theorists who suggest that children develop in "leaps and bounds" such that they develop skills at once with other periods of little development.

In cultures around the world, infants show the same facial expression when feeling distress this demonstrates the theme of:

Early theorists asserted that at the moment of conception a tiny, fully formed human was implanted in the sperm of egg. This human form was known as a:

There is some evidence that children were once considered little adults and were given adult responsibilities.

Which theorist suggested that children were blank slates whose development is primarily influenced by environmental circumstances?

Early theorist John Locke was opposed to the use of physical punishment.

Rousseau believed that an interest in social relationships begins in:

Rousseau's ideas about child development could be classified as having an emphasis on nurture.

Which classroom strategy would Rousseau endorse?

Darwin kept an extensive record of his son's development known as a:

Darwin believed that individual development reflects the changes through species evolution.