Which of the following is a common criticism against Piaget's theory of cognitive development?
- A. The sequence of stages is not fixed.
- B. Research has not supported the existence of the preoperational stage.
- C. Piaget put a heavy emphasis on the environment, ignoring the importance of mental processes.
- D. Children develop abilities earlier than Piaget theorized.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because one common criticism of Piaget's theory is that children often acquire cognitive abilities earlier than Piaget proposed. This criticism suggests that Piaget's stages might not be as fixed or rigid as he believed. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: A is a characteristic of Piaget's theory; B is not a common criticism, as research generally supports the existence of Piaget's stages; and C is inaccurate, as Piaget actually emphasized the importance of mental processes in cognitive development.
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One key issue in the study of human development is the continuity-discontinuity issue. The discontinuity side posits that development is characterized by change in type or kind. These are known as ____.
- A. Qualitative change
- B. Quantitative change
- C. Maturation
- D. Multidirectional development
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Qualitative change. Qualitative change aligns with the discontinuity view by involving changes in type or kind. This contrasts with quantitative change (B), which is about changes in amount or quantity. Maturation (C) refers to the process of becoming fully developed in a particular way, and multidirectional development (D) emphasizes that development involves both gains and losses, not specifically focusing on changes in type or kind.
What did Freud believe about castration anxiety among boys?
- A. Results in penis envy.
- B. Dissolves the Oedipus complex.
- C. Cognitive; learning.
- D. Biological; ecological.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Freud believed that castration anxiety among boys leads to the resolution of the Oedipus complex, not penis envy or cognitive learning. The Oedipus complex is a central psychodynamic concept in Freudian theory, where boys develop unconscious desires for their mothers and view their fathers as rivals, fearing castration by their fathers as a consequence.
A newspaper article reported a study by a psychologist in which the attitudes of men and women toward traditional sex roles were studied. Most likely, the researcher was?
- A. A cognitive psychologist.
- B. A counseling psychologist.
- C. A developmental psychologist.
- D. A social psychologist.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, a social psychologist. Social psychologists focus on how societal factors, including norms and expectations, influence behaviors and attitudes. In this case, studying the attitudes of men and women toward traditional sex roles aligns with the research domain of social psychology. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because cognitive psychologists focus on mental processes, counseling psychologists on helping individuals with personal and interpersonal issues, and developmental psychologists on human growth and development, respectively, which are not directly related to studying attitudes towards traditional sex roles influenced by societal factors.
What is the term for the age of an unborn baby, usually dated from the first day of an expectant mother's last menstrual cycle?
- A. Mental age
- B. Chronological age
- C. Functional age
- D. Gestational age
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Gestational age. Gestational age is calculated from the first day of the expectant mother's last menstrual cycle, providing an estimate of how far along the pregnancy is. Mental age (choice A), refers to an individual's level of cognitive functioning in relation to others of the same age group. Chronological age (choice B) is a person's actual age in years. Functional age (choice C) refers to how well a person is able to perform various activities compared to their chronological age.
A group of psychologists is conducting research to determine whether people eat more when they are in the presence of environmental stimuli that increase anxiety, such as loud noises or flashing lights. These scientists most likely follow?
- A. The behavioral perspective.
- B. The psychodynamic perspective.
- C. The humanistic perspective.
- D. The functionalist perspective.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, the behavioral perspective. This perspective focuses on how environmental stimuli influence behavior, making it suitable for studying how anxiety-inducing stimuli affect eating behavior. The psychodynamic perspective (choice B) would focus more on unconscious processes and early life experiences. The humanistic perspective (choice C) emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization. The functionalist perspective (choice D) is more related to the study of the purpose of behavior and mental processes in adapting to the environment.