Question 1

Evolutionary theory is based on the idea that thoughts and expectations affect actions.

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary theory is based on the idea that genetic variation and natural selection lead to changes in species over time. While thoughts and expectations may influence behavior, they are not the focus of evolutionary theory.

Question 2

A father utilizes the zone of proximal development when he helps his daughter learn how to ride a bike by herself through adjusting the level of support he provides to her.

Accepted Answer

The zone of proximal development refers to the range of tasks that a learner cannot yet accomplish independently but can do with the guidance and support of a more knowledgeable other (such as a parent or teacher). In this scenario, the father is adjusting his level of support based on his daughter's progress in learning how to ride a bike, which is an example of utilizing the zone of proximal development.

Question 3

Erikson's stages of psychosocial development apply specifically to the childhood years.

Accepted Answer

Erikson's stages of psychosocial development apply to the entire lifespan, not just childhood years. There are eight stages ranging from infancy to old age.

Question 4

According to Freud, the first stage of psychosexual development during infancy is the anal stage.

Accepted Answer

According to Freud, the first stage of psychosexual development during infancy is the oral stage, not the anal stage.

Question 5

An explanation of facts and observations defined by a set of concepts and ideas that organize phenomena is called a "_____."

Accepted Answer

A theory is an explanation of facts and observations defined by a set of concepts and ideas that organize phenomena. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation based on limited evidence and requires further testing. A conclusion is the end result or decision reached after analyzing available evidence. Development refers to the process of creating or improving upon something.

Question 6

Modern mating patterns have been explained from an evolutionary perspective.

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary psychology explains that modern mating patterns are a result of evolution and natural selection, as individuals seek partners who possess desirable traits that increase the chances of successful reproduction and passing on their genes. This includes preferences for physical attractiveness, intelligence, kindness, and other traits that are considered advantageous for survival and reproductive success.

Question 7

According to John Watson, psychologists should only study observable behavior.

Accepted Answer

Watson was one of the founders of the Behaviorist school of thought and believed that psychology should only focus on observable behavior, rather than internal mental processes which could not be directly observed or measured.

Question 8

Piaget's first stage of cognitive development is the preoperational stage.

Accepted Answer

Piaget's first stage of cognitive development is the sensorimotor stage, which occurs from birth to approximately 2 years of age.

Question 9

In operant conditioning, an individual follows a modeled behavior.

Accepted Answer

In operant conditioning, an individual learns to associate their own behavior with a consequence, either positive or negative, rather than simply following a modeled behavior.

Question 10

In classical conditioning, a meaningful stimulus becomes linked to a neutral stimulus.

Accepted Answer

This is the basic principle of classical conditioning, where a neutral stimulus (such as a bell) becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus (such as food) to produce the same response (salivation) as the meaningful stimulus.

Question 11

Sociocultural theory states that human development results from the dynamic interaction between a person's genes and his or her unconscious drives.

Accepted Answer

Sociocultural theory actually emphasizes the impact of culture, social interaction, and language on human development, rather than unconscious drives and genetics.

Question 12

The foundation of psychoanalytic theory is inner drives, motives, and unconscious needs.

Accepted Answer

Psychoanalytic theory is based on the belief that behavior is influenced by unconscious and often repressed desires and needs. It focuses on inner conflicts, unresolved issues from childhood, and the role of the unconscious mind in shaping behavior. Therefore, the foundation of this theory is indeed inner drives, motives, and unconscious needs.

Question 13

Developmentalists who subscribe to the eclectic perspective select what they consider to be the best aspects of each theory to explain development.

Accepted Answer

Developmentalists who use the eclectic perspective combine aspects of different theories to provide a more comprehensive understanding of development.

Question 14

A developmental theory is a systematic statement of general principles that provides a framework for understanding how and why people change as they grow older.

Accepted Answer

A developmental theory provides a systematic framework for understanding how and why people change as they grow older.

Question 15

Theories undermine the development of hypotheses.

Accepted Answer

Theories actually inspire the development of hypotheses. Hypotheses are testable explanations for observed phenomena, and theories provide a framework for generating hypotheses and testing them.

Question 16

Cognitive theory utilizes modeling.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Cognitive theory utilizes modeling....

Question 17

A norm is an average or usual event or experience.

Accepted Answer

A norm is the average or usual occurrence or experience in a specific context or society.

Question 18

Social learning theory compares a human's thinking processes to a computer's analysis of data.

Accepted Answer

Social learning theory focuses on learning through observation, imitation, and modeling, not on comparing human thinking to computer data analysis.

Question 19

According to evolutionary theory, every species has two long-standing, biologically based drives: survival and reproduction.

Accepted Answer

According to evolutionary theory, every species has two long-standing, biologically based drives: survival and reproduction. These drives are believed to have shaped the development and behavior of all living organisms over time.

Question 20

Newer theories on development tend to be multicultural and multidisciplinary.

Accepted Answer

Newer theories on development recognize the importance of cultural diversity and incorporate interdisciplinary perspectives.

Quiz 2: Theories of Development