Developmental Psychology MCQs With Answers
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Dr. Matsuko's major research interest is the long-term effects of child-rearing practices on the psychological adjustment of offspring. It is most likely that Dr. Matsuko is a(n) ________ psychologist.
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Cognitive
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Developmental
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Behavioral
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Psychodynamic
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Educational
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Hey, try your hands on this short and fun developmental psychology quiz with answers. This is a multiple-choice (MCQ) quiz based on developmental psychology and its related concepts. By taking this quiz, you'll get the chance to test your knowledge and see how well you understand this topic. The majority of questions in this quiz are based upon actual AP See moreexam questions. So, take your time, and start answering the questions. Good luck!
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- 2.
The notion that development occurs in stages
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Assumes the learning perspective
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Is supported by interactionist theory
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Is consistent with the process of cumulative action
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Assumes that behavior is mainly determined by behavior
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Endorses the discontinuity view
Correct Answer
A. Endorses the discontinuity viewExplanation
The correct answer endorses the discontinuity view. This means that the notion of development occurring in stages supports the belief that development is not a smooth and continuous process, but rather occurs in distinct and separate stages. This view suggests that individuals go through different stages of development, with each stage being qualitatively different from the previous one. It implies that there are significant changes and transformations that take place during these stages, rather than a gradual and continuous progression.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The correct order of the three stages of human prenatal development are
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Differentiation, implantation, strengthening
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Embryo, zygote, fetus
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Placental, umbilical, embryonic
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Embryonic, placental, umbilical
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Zygote, embryo, fetus
Correct Answer
A. Zygote, embryo, fetusExplanation
The correct answer is Zygote, embryo, fetus. This is the correct order of the three stages of human prenatal development. The zygote stage occurs immediately after fertilization, when the sperm and egg combine to form a single cell. The zygote then undergoes cell division and differentiation to form an embryo. The embryo stage is characterized by the development of major organs and structures. Finally, the embryo develops into a fetus, which is the stage where the organs continue to grow and mature.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Among the most common teratogens are
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Clay and pebbles
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Nicotine and alcohol
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Morphemes and phonemes
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Caffeine and glucose
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LSD and thalidomide
Correct Answer
A. Nicotine and alcoholExplanation
Nicotine and alcohol are considered common teratogens because they have been shown to have harmful effects on the developing fetus. Nicotine, found in tobacco products, can restrict the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, leading to growth problems and an increased risk of premature birth. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause a range of birth defects and developmental issues, collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). These can include physical abnormalities, cognitive impairments, and behavioral problems. Therefore, it is important for pregnant individuals to avoid nicotine and alcohol to protect the health and well-being of their unborn child.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The intense, enduring, social-emotional relationship that develops between a child and a caregiver is termed
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Imprinting
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Intimacy
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Attachment
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Menarche
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Temperament
Correct Answer
A. AttachmentExplanation
Attachment refers to the intense, enduring, social-emotional relationship that develops between a child and a caregiver. It is characterized by a deep bond, trust, and a sense of security. This attachment is essential for the child's emotional and social development, as it provides a foundation for future relationships and influences their overall well-being.Rate this question:
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- 6.
In the Looney Toons cartoon, when the little Chick follows Fog Horn Leg Horn around, believing that he is the chicks mother, __________ could be said to have taken place.
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Menarche
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Imprinting
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Assimilation
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Centration
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Discontinuity
Correct Answer
A. ImprintingExplanation
Imprinting is a term used in psychology and ethology to describe the process by which certain animals form strong attachments or bonds with their caregivers or objects they perceive as their parents. In this context, the little chick following Fog Horn Leg Horn around and believing him to be its mother can be seen as an example of imprinting, as the chick has formed a strong attachment to Fog Horn Leg Horn.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The importance of schemas was most clearly highlighted by:
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Erikson's psychosocial development theory.
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Piaget's cognitive development theory.
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Harlow's attachment theory.
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Kohlberg's moral development theory.
Correct Answer
A. Piaget's cognitive development theory.Explanation
Piaget's cognitive development theory emphasizes the importance of schemas in the cognitive development of individuals. According to Piaget, schemas are mental frameworks or structures that help individuals organize and interpret information from their environment. Schemas allow individuals to make sense of new experiences and fit them into existing mental structures. This theory highlights the role of schemas in the development of cognitive processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving. Therefore, Piaget's cognitive development theory is most closely associated with the importance of schemas.Rate this question:
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- 8.
After Nadia learned that penguins can't fly, she had to modify her existing concept of birds. This best illustrates the process of:
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Conservation
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Attachment
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Assimilation
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Habituation
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Accommodation
Correct Answer
A. AccommodationExplanation
Accommodation is a term in Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development. It refers to the process of adjusting one's existing mental frameworks or schemas to incorporate new information or experiences that do not fit into existing schemas. In this case, Nadia had to modify her concept of birds to accommodate the new information that penguins, which she previously thought were birds, cannot fly. This adjustment reflects the cognitive process of accommodation.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Joey is watching a horse race. He knows that his dog at home has four legs, a tail, and fur. When he sees the horses, he shouts out “Doggies.” Joey is demonstrating
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Assimilation
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Accommodation
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Conservation
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Irreversibility
Correct Answer
A. AssimilationExplanation
Joey is demonstrating assimilation. Assimilation is the process of incorporating new information or experiences into existing mental schemas or categories. In this case, Joey already has a schema for dogs, which includes four legs, a tail, and fur. When he sees the horses, which share some similarities with dogs, he assimilates them into his existing schema and calls them "doggies."Rate this question:
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- 10.
The correct sequence of Piaget’s stages of cognitive development are
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Preoperational, sensorimotor, concrete operational, formal operational
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Preoperational, concrete operational, sensorimotor, formal operational
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Sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, formal operational
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Sensorimotor, preoperational, conventional, postconventional
Correct Answer
A. Sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, formal operationalExplanation
Piaget's stages of cognitive development begin with the sensorimotor stage, where infants learn about the world through their senses and actions. This is followed by the preoperational stage, during which children start to use symbols and language to represent objects and events. The concrete operational stage comes next, where children develop logical thinking and can understand concrete concepts. Finally, the formal operational stage occurs during adolescence and adulthood, where individuals can think abstractly and use hypothetical reasoning.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Johnny is playing in his crib when his teddy bear Mr. Peeps falls under the crib. Johnny cries knowing that Mr. Peeps exists somewhere. Johnny is demonstrating
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Centration
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Object permanence
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Reversibility
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Egocentrism
Correct Answer
A. Object permanenceExplanation
Object permanence refers to the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight. In this scenario, Johnny cries because he knows that his teddy bear, Mr. Peeps, still exists somewhere, even though he cannot see him under the crib. This demonstrates Johnny's understanding of object permanence.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Two closed, pyramid-shaped beakers containing clearly identical amounts of a liquid are suddenly judged by a child to hold different amounts after one of the beakers is inverted. The child apparently lacks a:
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Sense of object permanence.
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Concept of conservation.
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Capacity for habituation.
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Secure attachment.
Correct Answer
A. Concept of conservation.Explanation
The child's judgment that the beakers hold different amounts of liquid after one is inverted suggests a lack of understanding of the concept of conservation. Conservation is the ability to understand that the quantity of a substance remains the same even when its appearance or arrangement changes. In this case, the child is unable to realize that the liquid has not changed in quantity despite the change in position of the beaker. This lack of understanding indicates a deficiency in the concept of conservation.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Eddie’s parents often include him in decisions such as curfew and chores around the house. Once a decision is made, the rules are enforced. Eddie’s parents are using a(n)______ parenting style.
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Authoritative
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Authoritarian
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Permissive
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Uninvolved
Correct Answer
A. AuthoritativeExplanation
Eddie's parents involve him in decisions and enforce the rules, indicating that they have a balanced approach to parenting. They set clear expectations and boundaries while also valuing their child's input and autonomy. This is characteristic of an authoritative parenting style, where parents are firm yet responsive, and children are encouraged to be independent while still respecting rules and guidelines.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The first stage of Erikson’s psychosocial theory involves an infant’s need to
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Develop a basic sense of trust.
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Explore and manipulate objects.
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Initiate intellectual or motor tasks.
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Receive food necessary for survival.
Correct Answer
A. Develop a basic sense of trust.Explanation
The first stage of Erikson's psychosocial theory is known as Trust vs. Mistrust. During this stage, infants develop a basic sense of trust in their caregivers and the world around them. This is essential for their emotional and social development. Infants who receive consistent and responsive care from their caregivers develop a sense of trust, while those who experience neglect or inconsistent care may develop a sense of mistrust. This stage sets the foundation for the individual's future relationships and ability to trust others.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of Piaget’s stages is associated with adolescence?
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Sensorimotor
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Formal operational
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Preoperational
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Concrete operational
Correct Answer
A. Formal operationalExplanation
Formal operational is the correct answer because this stage is associated with adolescence according to Piaget's theory of cognitive development. During this stage, individuals develop the ability to think abstractly, reason logically, and engage in hypothetical and deductive reasoning. They can also consider multiple perspectives and think about possibilities and hypothetical situations. This stage typically begins around the age of 11 and continues into adulthood.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Jarred thinks he should obey his teachers only if they are carefully watching him. Kohlberg would suggest that Jarred demonstrates a(n) ________ morality.
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Conventional
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Unconventional
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Preconventional
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Postconventional
Correct Answer
A. PreconventionalExplanation
Kohlberg's theory of moral development suggests that individuals progress through different stages of moral reasoning. In the preconventional stage, individuals base their moral decisions on self-interest and avoiding punishment. Jarred's belief that he should only obey his teachers if they are carefully watching him aligns with this stage, as he is primarily concerned with avoiding negative consequences rather than understanding the moral principles involved. Therefore, the correct answer is preconventional.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The process of developing a sense of identity during adolescence was highlighted by:
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Erikson's psychosocial development theory.
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Piaget's cognitive development theory.
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Kohlberg's moral development theory.
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Harlow's attachment theory.
Correct Answer
A. Erikson's psychosocial development theory.Explanation
During adolescence, individuals go through a period of identity development, where they explore and establish their own sense of self. Erikson's psychosocial development theory emphasizes the importance of this stage, as it is a crucial time for individuals to form a strong and coherent identity. Erikson believed that successful resolution of the identity versus role confusion stage during adolescence leads to the development of a clear sense of identity, while failure to do so can result in confusion and a lack of direction. Therefore, Erikson's theory best explains the process of developing a sense of identity during adolescence.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which of the following is the best research method for developmental psychologists? (Select all that apply)
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Case study
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Experiment
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Survey
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Longitudinal study
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Cross-sectional
Correct Answer(s)
A. Longitudinal study
A. Cross-sectionalExplanation
Longitudinal study and cross-sectional are the best research methods for developmental psychologists because they allow for the examination of changes over time and the comparison of different age groups, respectively. Longitudinal studies involve observing and collecting data from the same group of individuals over an extended period to track their development. Cross-sectional studies, on the other hand, involve collecting data from different age groups at the same time to compare their developmental differences. These methods provide valuable insights into how individuals change and develop over time and allow for the identification of patterns and trends in development.Rate this question:
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Mar 24, 2025Quiz Edited by
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Aug 12, 2009Quiz Created by
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