Psychology Degree FREE Psychology Degree Lifespan Development Theories Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to Urie Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, which system represents the broader cultural values and laws that indirectly influence a child's development?
- Microsystem
- Exosystem
- Macrosystem (Correct answer)
- Mesosystem
Correct answer: Macrosystem
The macrosystem encompasses the overarching cultural values, customs, and laws that shape all other environmental systems in a child's development.
Question 2: In Levinson's theory of adult development, what term describes the transitional period between ages 40 and 45 when individuals reassess their life structure?
- Age 30 transition
- Midlife transition (Correct answer)
- Late adult transition
- Early adult transition
Correct answer: Midlife transition
Levinson identified the midlife transition (ages 40-45) as a critical period when adults evaluate accomplishments and modify their life structure.
Question 3: Which theorist proposed that cognitive development occurs through a predictable sequence of stages including sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational?
- Lev Vygotsky
- Jean Piaget (Correct answer)
- Lawrence Kohlberg
- Albert Bandura
Correct answer: Jean Piaget
Jean Piaget developed the four-stage theory of cognitive development that describes how children progressively build more complex thinking abilities.
Question 4: What concept in Baltes' lifespan developmental theory refers to the idea that development involves both gains and losses at every age?
- Multidirectionality (Correct answer)
- Plasticity
- Contextualism
- Historical embeddedness
Correct answer: Multidirectionality
Multidirectionality is Baltes' principle that development is not purely growth or decline but involves simultaneous gains and losses throughout life.
Question 5: In Bowlby's attachment theory, during which phase do infants begin to show a clear preference for their primary caregiver and exhibit stranger anxiety?
- Pre-attachment phase
- Attachment-in-the-making phase
- Clear-cut attachment phase (Correct answer)
- Formation of reciprocal relationships phase
Correct answer: Clear-cut attachment phase
The clear-cut attachment phase (approximately 6-8 months to 18-24 months) is when infants demonstrate strong preference for their caregiver and distress around unfamiliar people.
Question 6: Which of the following best represents Vygotsky's zone of proximal development in a lifespan context?
- Tasks a learner can complete independently without any assistance
- The gap between what a person can do alone and what they can achieve with skilled guidance (Correct answer)
- Innate biological maturation that unfolds regardless of environment
- Reinforcement schedules that shape behavior across the lifespan
Correct answer: The gap between what a person can do alone and what they can achieve with skilled guidance
The zone of proximal development describes the distance between independent ability and potential ability when supported by a more knowledgeable partner.
Psychology Degree FREE Psychology Degree Lifespan Development Theories Questions and Answers 2
According to Urie Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, which system represents the broader cultural values and laws that indirectly influence a child's development?