Week 7: Developmental Psychology

Question 1

What is developmental psychology?

Answer 1

The study of physical, cognitive, and social changes throughout the lifespan.

Question 2

What are the main stages of human development?

Answer 2

Prenatal, infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and late adulthood.

Question 3

Who proposed the theory of cognitive development?

Answer 3

Jean Piaget.

Question 4

What is the sensorimotor stage in Piaget’s theory?

Answer 4

The stage (0-2 years) where infants learn through sensory experiences and actions.

Question 5

What is object permanence?

Answer 5

A: The understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen.

Question 6

What is the preoperational stage in Piaget’s theory?

Answer 6

The stage (2-7 years) where children begin to use language but lack logical reasoning.

Question 7

What is egocentrism in developmental psychology?

Answer 7

The inability to see a situation from another person’s point of view, common in early childhood.

Question 8

What is the concrete operational stage in Piaget’s theory?

Answer 8

The stage (7-11 years) where children gain logical thinking about concrete events.

Question 9

What is conservation in Piaget’s theory?

Answer 9

The understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape or appearance.

Question 10

What is the formal operational stage in Piaget’s theory?

Answer 10

The stage (12 years and up) where individuals develop abstract and hypothetical thinking.

Question 11

Who developed the psychosocial theory of development?

Answer 11

A: Erik Erikson.

Question 12

What is the main challenge in Erikson’s stage of “Trust vs. Mistrust”?

Answer 12

Developing a sense of trust when basic needs are met (0-1 year).

Question 13

What is the primary developmental task in adolescence, according to Erikson?

Answer 13

Identity vs. Role Confusion, where individuals explore their personal identity.

Question 14

What is attachment?

Answer 14

An emotional bond between a child and caregiver, important for social development.

Question 15

Q: Who conducted famous research on attachment styles in children?

Answer 15

A: Mary Ainsworth.

Question 16

What is secure attachment?

Answer 16

A strong, healthy attachment where children feel safe and confident with their caregiver.

Question 17

What is the zone of proximal development (ZPD)?

Answer 17

Vygotsky’s concept of the range of tasks that a child can perform with guidance but not alone.

Question 18

What is scaffolding in Vygotsky’s theory?

Answer 18

The support provided to a learner to help them achieve a task within their ZPD.

Question 19

What is the theory of mind?

Answer 19

The understanding that others have thoughts, feelings, and perspectives different from one’s own.

Question 20

What is adolescence?

Answer 20

The developmental period between childhood and adulthood, marked by puberty and identity formation.

Question 21

What is moral development?

Answer 21

The process through which individuals develop a sense of right and wrong.

Question 22

Who proposed a theory of moral development?

Answer 22

Lawrence Kohlberg.

Question 23

What is the preconventional level in Kohlberg’s theory?

Answer 23

A stage where moral decisions are based on avoiding punishment or gaining rewards.

Question 24

What is the conventional level in Kohlberg’s theory?

Answer 24

A stage where moral decisions are based on social rules and the desire to maintain order.

Question 25

What is resilience in developmental psychology?

Answer 25

The ability to adapt and recover from adversity or significant challenges.