Psychology Degree Psychology Degree Lifespan Development Theories Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which psychologist proposed the psychosocial theory of development with eight stages spanning from infancy to late adulthood?
- Erik Erikson (Correct answer)
- Sigmund Freud
- Jean Piaget
- Lev Vygotsky
Correct answer: Erik Erikson
Erik Erikson developed the psychosocial theory consisting of eight stages, each centered on a specific conflict that must be resolved for healthy personality development.
Question 2: In Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, which system represents the broader cultural values, laws, and customs that influence a child's development?
- Microsystem
- Exosystem
- Macrosystem (Correct answer)
- Chronosystem
Correct answer: Macrosystem
The macrosystem encompasses the overarching cultural context, including societal values, economic patterns, and political systems that shape development.
Question 3: According to Baltes' lifespan developmental perspective, which principle states that development always involves both gains and losses?
- Lifelong development
- Multidirectionality (Correct answer)
- Plasticity
- Contextualism
Correct answer: Multidirectionality
Multidirectionality holds that development is not purely growth or decline but involves simultaneous gains in some areas and losses in others at every age.
Question 4: What concept did Vygotsky introduce to describe the gap between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance?
- Scaffolding
- Zone of proximal development (Correct answer)
- Sensitive period
- Accommodation
Correct answer: Zone of proximal development
The zone of proximal development (ZPD) refers to the range of tasks a person can perform with the help of a more knowledgeable other but cannot yet do alone.
Question 5: Which stage in Levinson's theory of adult development involves questioning life choices and often occurs around age 40 to 45?
- Early adult transition
- Age 30 transition
- Midlife transition (Correct answer)
- Late adult transition
Correct answer: Midlife transition
Levinson's midlife transition, occurring roughly between ages 40 and 45, involves reevaluating earlier life structures and confronting mortality and unfulfilled goals.
Question 6: In Havighurst's developmental task theory, which task is considered central to middle adulthood?
- Establishing intimate relationships
- Achieving civic responsibility and guiding the next generation (Correct answer)
- Adjusting to retirement and reduced income
- Developing fundamental skills in reading and math
Correct answer: Achieving civic responsibility and guiding the next generation
Havighurst identified assisting the next generation and assuming broader social responsibility as key developmental tasks of middle adulthood.
Psychology Degree Psychology Degree Lifespan Development Theories Questions and Answers 2
Which psychologist proposed the psychosocial theory of development with eight stages spanning from infancy to late adulthood?