Education K-12 Child Development & Psychology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to Piaget, which stage of cognitive development is characterized by logical thinking about concrete objects?
- Sensorimotor
- Preoperational
- Concrete operational (Correct answer)
- Formal operational
Correct answer: Concrete operational
The concrete operational stage (ages 7–11) marks the ability to think logically about tangible objects and events.
Question 2: Which theorist proposed eight stages of psychosocial development across the lifespan?
- Jean Piaget
- Erik Erikson (Correct answer)
- Lev Vygotsky
- B.F. Skinner
Correct answer: Erik Erikson
Erik Erikson described eight stages where individuals face a psychosocial crisis that shapes personality.
Question 3: What does 'object permanence' mean in child development?
- The ability to count permanent objects
- Understanding that objects continue to exist even when out of sight (Correct answer)
- Recognizing familiar faces
- Knowing shapes remain the same when rotated
Correct answer: Understanding that objects continue to exist even when out of sight
Object permanence, achieved around 8–12 months, is the understanding that things exist even when not visible.
Question 4: In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which level must be met before a student can focus on learning?
- Esteem needs
- Cognitive needs
- Basic physiological and safety needs (Correct answer)
- Self-actualization
Correct answer: Basic physiological and safety needs
Maslow's hierarchy places physiological and safety needs at the base; unmet survival needs hinder higher learning.
Question 5: Which stage in Erikson's theory corresponds to the elementary school years and involves industry vs. inferiority?
- Initiative vs. guilt
- Identity vs. role confusion
- Industry vs. inferiority (Correct answer)
- Trust vs. mistrust
Correct answer: Industry vs. inferiority
During the industry vs. inferiority stage (ages 6–12), children develop competence through school tasks and social comparison.
Question 6: What is 'attachment theory' most associated with in early childhood?
- How children learn to read
- The emotional bond between a child and caregiver that influences future relationships (Correct answer)
- Motor skill development
- Language acquisition milestones
Correct answer: The emotional bond between a child and caregiver that influences future relationships
Bowlby's attachment theory holds that early bonds with caregivers form a secure base for exploring the world and later relationships.
Education K-12 Child Development & Psychology 1
According to Piaget, which stage of cognitive development is characterized by logical thinking about concrete objects?