PSYC 140 MODULE 7 EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Module question: Give an overview of the types of physical changes that occur in early
adulthood. Why is this type of development considered multidirectional? - Answers -
The list given in this module shows an overview of certain types of physical decline:
-Maximum heart rate may gradually decrease
-Respiratory capacity gradually decreases (becomes noticeable after age 25 under
heavy exercise conditions)
-Lens of the eye stiffens, thickens
-Sensitivity to sound at high frequencies decreases
-Fast-twitch muscles decline in size and amount
Multidirectional indicates that there are both declines and improvements in the same
person during this time period.
Module question: What did this Module say about differences in sexual behavior
between married and unmarried couples? - Answers - Married couples report having
more sex than unmarried individuals.
Module question: How would you summarize the information on the likelihood of
couples divorcing? Were you surprised by any of the information regarding divorce
statistics? Why or why not? - Answers - Your answer should include the following: a
discussion of how the "50%" figure is not a literal number but is rather a projection of the
likelihood of couples to divorce at the present time. This rate might be much higher or
much lower for any particular couple. If you reverse the trends discussed in this module,
you can see that the odds for a particular couple to get a divorce are higher if: money is
tight, if the couple have a child before marrying, if at least one partner was a child of a
divorce, if neither partner is religious, and if one partner never attended college.
Module question: How would you summarize postformal thought? How does postformal
thought differ from Piaget's formal operations? - Answers - Although different theories
describe this stage (and although there is controversy over whether adults actually
reach this stage!), it generally consists of being able to reflect and make more complex
judgments, and seeing multiple perspectives and points of view.
Although people in formal operations demonstrate abstract thinking, postformal thought
shows more flexibility and humility as people see multiple perspectives.
Module question: Can you see examples of postformal thinking in your own life or in the
lives of others you know? How would you classify that example using Perry's stages? -
Answers - [Note]Answers will vary, but should identify one of Perry's 3 stages (dualistic,
multiple thinking, commitment within relativism).
An example of postformal thinking in my life might be how I approach political debates.
In my younger years, I may have thought in more dualistic terms—believing my
, viewpoint was "right" and the opposing side was "wrong." Over time, I've come to
recognize that many issues have multiple valid perspectives and that understanding
different viewpoints requires considering the complexities and nuances behind them.
For instance, when discussing healthcare policy, I can see valid concerns on both sides
of the debate, such as the need for universal healthcare and the challenges of its
funding. This shift from black-and-white thinking to appreciating multiple perspectives
aligns with Perry's multiple thinking stage. Additionally, after reflecting on the different
viewpoints, I've made an informed decision about what I believe should be prioritized in
policy, which aligns with commitment within relativism, recognizing the validity of other
perspectives but making a commitment to my own beliefs based on the information and
arguments I find most compelling.
Module question: Describe Sternberg's three components of love. - Answers - Intimacy:
emotional connectedness, involves warm communication. Passion: biological
closeness, sexual and romantic feelings. Commitment: cognitive component, a decision
to stay together.
Module question: Choose three of the 7 types of love discussed in this module and
create a profile of a fictional couple that exemplifies these types of love. - Answers -
Lena and Jake's relationship evolves through three types of love as described by
Sternberg. Initially, they experience infatuation, marked by intense passion and physical
attraction with little emotional connection or commitment. Over time, their relationship
deepens into companionate love, where their emotional bond grows, and they commit to
each other's well-being, though the initial passion fades. Years later, their love matures
into consummate love, where they combine intimacy, passion, and commitment,
resulting in a deep, lasting connection. Their journey reflects how love can evolve from
excitement and physical attraction to a stable, fulfilling partnership, with each stage
building upon the previous one.
Module question: Identify common symptoms of menopause. - Answers - Mood
fluctuations, hot flashes, shrinking of reproductive organs, difficulties becoming sexually
aroused, decreased skin elasticity, loss of bone mass, raised blood pressure.
Module question: Why don't all women experience symptoms of menopause? - Answers
- A woman's experience of menopause depends on a variety of factors, including race
and culture.
Module question: What are the pros and cons of hormone therapy? - Answers - Pros:
Most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, protect against osteoporosis. Cons:
Increased risk of certain cancers—breast, uterine, heart attack, stroke in some women.
Module question: What cognitive improvements can be observed in middle age,
according to the Seattle Longitudinal Study? - Answers - Verbal abilities/increased
vocabulary, spatial reasoning, simple math/problem solving, abstract reasoning.
ANSWERS
Module question: Give an overview of the types of physical changes that occur in early
adulthood. Why is this type of development considered multidirectional? - Answers -
The list given in this module shows an overview of certain types of physical decline:
-Maximum heart rate may gradually decrease
-Respiratory capacity gradually decreases (becomes noticeable after age 25 under
heavy exercise conditions)
-Lens of the eye stiffens, thickens
-Sensitivity to sound at high frequencies decreases
-Fast-twitch muscles decline in size and amount
Multidirectional indicates that there are both declines and improvements in the same
person during this time period.
Module question: What did this Module say about differences in sexual behavior
between married and unmarried couples? - Answers - Married couples report having
more sex than unmarried individuals.
Module question: How would you summarize the information on the likelihood of
couples divorcing? Were you surprised by any of the information regarding divorce
statistics? Why or why not? - Answers - Your answer should include the following: a
discussion of how the "50%" figure is not a literal number but is rather a projection of the
likelihood of couples to divorce at the present time. This rate might be much higher or
much lower for any particular couple. If you reverse the trends discussed in this module,
you can see that the odds for a particular couple to get a divorce are higher if: money is
tight, if the couple have a child before marrying, if at least one partner was a child of a
divorce, if neither partner is religious, and if one partner never attended college.
Module question: How would you summarize postformal thought? How does postformal
thought differ from Piaget's formal operations? - Answers - Although different theories
describe this stage (and although there is controversy over whether adults actually
reach this stage!), it generally consists of being able to reflect and make more complex
judgments, and seeing multiple perspectives and points of view.
Although people in formal operations demonstrate abstract thinking, postformal thought
shows more flexibility and humility as people see multiple perspectives.
Module question: Can you see examples of postformal thinking in your own life or in the
lives of others you know? How would you classify that example using Perry's stages? -
Answers - [Note]Answers will vary, but should identify one of Perry's 3 stages (dualistic,
multiple thinking, commitment within relativism).
An example of postformal thinking in my life might be how I approach political debates.
In my younger years, I may have thought in more dualistic terms—believing my
, viewpoint was "right" and the opposing side was "wrong." Over time, I've come to
recognize that many issues have multiple valid perspectives and that understanding
different viewpoints requires considering the complexities and nuances behind them.
For instance, when discussing healthcare policy, I can see valid concerns on both sides
of the debate, such as the need for universal healthcare and the challenges of its
funding. This shift from black-and-white thinking to appreciating multiple perspectives
aligns with Perry's multiple thinking stage. Additionally, after reflecting on the different
viewpoints, I've made an informed decision about what I believe should be prioritized in
policy, which aligns with commitment within relativism, recognizing the validity of other
perspectives but making a commitment to my own beliefs based on the information and
arguments I find most compelling.
Module question: Describe Sternberg's three components of love. - Answers - Intimacy:
emotional connectedness, involves warm communication. Passion: biological
closeness, sexual and romantic feelings. Commitment: cognitive component, a decision
to stay together.
Module question: Choose three of the 7 types of love discussed in this module and
create a profile of a fictional couple that exemplifies these types of love. - Answers -
Lena and Jake's relationship evolves through three types of love as described by
Sternberg. Initially, they experience infatuation, marked by intense passion and physical
attraction with little emotional connection or commitment. Over time, their relationship
deepens into companionate love, where their emotional bond grows, and they commit to
each other's well-being, though the initial passion fades. Years later, their love matures
into consummate love, where they combine intimacy, passion, and commitment,
resulting in a deep, lasting connection. Their journey reflects how love can evolve from
excitement and physical attraction to a stable, fulfilling partnership, with each stage
building upon the previous one.
Module question: Identify common symptoms of menopause. - Answers - Mood
fluctuations, hot flashes, shrinking of reproductive organs, difficulties becoming sexually
aroused, decreased skin elasticity, loss of bone mass, raised blood pressure.
Module question: Why don't all women experience symptoms of menopause? - Answers
- A woman's experience of menopause depends on a variety of factors, including race
and culture.
Module question: What are the pros and cons of hormone therapy? - Answers - Pros:
Most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, protect against osteoporosis. Cons:
Increased risk of certain cancers—breast, uterine, heart attack, stroke in some women.
Module question: What cognitive improvements can be observed in middle age,
according to the Seattle Longitudinal Study? - Answers - Verbal abilities/increased
vocabulary, spatial reasoning, simple math/problem solving, abstract reasoning.
