Who believed that complex mental activities have their origins in social interaction?
- A. Jean Piaget
- B. Ren©e Baillargeon
- C. Noam Chomsky
- D. Lev Vygotsky
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is Lev Vygotsky. Vygotsky emphasized the role of social interaction and cultural tools in the development of higher cognitive functions. Jean Piaget focused more on individual cognitive development stages, Ren©e Baillargeon is known for her work in infant cognition and object permanence, and Noam Chomsky is renowned for his theories in linguistics and the study of language.
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According to Erikson, the danger in middle childhood is __________, reflected in the pessimism of children who lack confidence in their ability to do things well.
- A. shame
- B. mistrust
- C. inferiority
- D. despair
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to Erikson's psychosocial theory, the danger in middle childhood is 'inferiority.' During this stage, children may develop a sense of inadequacy and inferiority if they are unable to master the social and academic tasks expected of them. This feeling of inferiority can lead to low self-esteem and pessimism about their abilities. Choice A, 'shame,' is more closely associated with Erikson's stage of autonomy vs. shame and doubt in early childhood. Choice B, 'mistrust,' is linked to Erikson's stage of trust vs. mistrust in infancy. Choice D, 'despair,' is related to Erikson's stage of integrity vs. despair in late adulthood.
Dr. Kostel believes that development takes place in stages. This belief is consistent with the __________ perspective.
- A. nurture
- B. continuous
- C. discontinuous
- D. nature
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Dr. Kostel's belief in stage-based development aligns with the discontinuous perspective, which sees development as a series of distinct stages. The continuous perspective (choice B) suggests development as a smooth and gradual process without distinct stages. The nature perspective (choice D) focuses on genetic and hereditary influences on development. The nurture perspective (choice A) emphasizes the impact of environment and upbringing on development, which is not directly related to the belief in stage-based development.
If learning has occurred in classical conditioning, and the neutral stimulus by itself produces a response similar to the reflexive response, the neutral stimulus is then called a __________.
- A. neutral response
- B. conditioned stimulus
- C. conditioned response
- D. reinforcer
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In classical conditioning, when a neutral stimulus triggers the reflexive response, it becomes a conditioned stimulus. Therefore, the correct term for the neutral stimulus that now elicits a response is a conditioned stimulus. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A neutral response is not a standard term in classical conditioning; a conditioned response is the learned response to the conditioned stimulus, not the neutral stimulus itself; a reinforcer is a stimulus that follows a behavior and increases the likelihood of that behavior happening again, which is not the same as a conditioned stimulus.
Vygotsky saw ______ play as the ideal social context for fostering cognitive development in early childhood.
- A. make-believe
- B. sensorimotor
- C. block
- D. parallel
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Vygotsky viewed make-believe play as the ideal social context for fostering cognitive development in early childhood. Make-believe play encourages children to explore various roles and scenarios, promoting cognitive and social development. Sensorimotor play focuses on physical interactions with the environment, while block play involves building and construction activities. Parallel play refers to children playing alongside each other without direct interaction, which is not the type of play Vygotsky emphasized for cognitive development.
Most cognitive aging research has focused on intellectual ________.
- A. stability
- B. gains
- C. competence
- D. deficits
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: deficits.' Most cognitive aging research has indeed focused on deficits rather than stability, gains, or competence. Studies have consistently shown that deficits in processing speed and memory are common in aging individuals, making it a primary area of interest in research. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because cognitive aging research primarily aims to understand and address deficits associated with aging rather than focusing on stability, gains, or overall competence.