PSYC 140 Exam 1 Mock Exam 2026 | Trusted Questions &
Answers
1. Describe how Skinner's theories contribute to the nurture perspective in
human development.
Skinner's theories highlight the importance of unconscious motives in
behavior.
Skinner's theories suggest that cognitive development occurs in
stages.
Skinner's theories focus on innate biological factors influencing
development.
Skinner's theories emphasize the role of environmental factors and
reinforcement in shaping behavior.
2. Describe how Freud's concept of the anal stage relates to personality traits
such as obsession with cleanliness.
The anal stage is unrelated to personality traits and focuses solely on
physical development.
The anal stage is primarily concerned with social learning rather than
individual personality traits.
Freud's anal stage suggests that fixation can lead to traits like
orderliness and cleanliness due to conflicts during toilet training.
Freud's theory indicates that cleanliness is a result of successful
resolution of the oral stage.
3. A key word to describe social learning theory is:
training.
observing.
, influencing.
conditioning.
4. What term describes the feature of human development where change can
be perceived as both positive and negative?
Multidirectionality
Cognitive development
Nature vs. nurture
Social learning
5. If Janice were to engage in regular physical activity, how might this influence
her multidimensional development?
It would only affect her physical health without any impact on her
mental state.
It would only worsen her arthritis and decrease her stamina.
It could improve her physical health and enhance her mental well-
being.
It would have no effect on her overall development.
6. In a scenario where a toddler is exhibiting defiant behavior during the
'terrible two's', how might a caregiver apply Erikson's theory to address this
behavior?
Encourage the toddler's autonomy while setting appropriate
boundaries.
Redirect the toddler's attention without acknowledging their feelings.
Ignore the behavior to avoid reinforcing it.
Strictly discipline the toddler to prevent further defiance.
, 7. What is the name of the cognitive development stage in Piaget's theory that
occurs between the ages of 6 or 7 and 11 years?
Preoperational stage
Concrete operational stage
Formal operational stage
Sensorimotor stage
8. Describe how Vygotsky's theories contribute to our understanding of
learning in a social context.
Vygotsky believed that learning occurs independently of social
influences.
Vygotsky focused solely on individual cognitive processes.
Vygotsky emphasized the role of social interaction and cultural
context in cognitive development.
Vygotsky's theories were primarily concerned with biological factors
in development.
9. Includes how body, mind, emotions, and relationships change and affect each
other:
Co-constructional development
Multidimensional development
Contextual development
Plastic development
Life-long
Answers
1. Describe how Skinner's theories contribute to the nurture perspective in
human development.
Skinner's theories highlight the importance of unconscious motives in
behavior.
Skinner's theories suggest that cognitive development occurs in
stages.
Skinner's theories focus on innate biological factors influencing
development.
Skinner's theories emphasize the role of environmental factors and
reinforcement in shaping behavior.
2. Describe how Freud's concept of the anal stage relates to personality traits
such as obsession with cleanliness.
The anal stage is unrelated to personality traits and focuses solely on
physical development.
The anal stage is primarily concerned with social learning rather than
individual personality traits.
Freud's anal stage suggests that fixation can lead to traits like
orderliness and cleanliness due to conflicts during toilet training.
Freud's theory indicates that cleanliness is a result of successful
resolution of the oral stage.
3. A key word to describe social learning theory is:
training.
observing.
, influencing.
conditioning.
4. What term describes the feature of human development where change can
be perceived as both positive and negative?
Multidirectionality
Cognitive development
Nature vs. nurture
Social learning
5. If Janice were to engage in regular physical activity, how might this influence
her multidimensional development?
It would only affect her physical health without any impact on her
mental state.
It would only worsen her arthritis and decrease her stamina.
It could improve her physical health and enhance her mental well-
being.
It would have no effect on her overall development.
6. In a scenario where a toddler is exhibiting defiant behavior during the
'terrible two's', how might a caregiver apply Erikson's theory to address this
behavior?
Encourage the toddler's autonomy while setting appropriate
boundaries.
Redirect the toddler's attention without acknowledging their feelings.
Ignore the behavior to avoid reinforcing it.
Strictly discipline the toddler to prevent further defiance.
, 7. What is the name of the cognitive development stage in Piaget's theory that
occurs between the ages of 6 or 7 and 11 years?
Preoperational stage
Concrete operational stage
Formal operational stage
Sensorimotor stage
8. Describe how Vygotsky's theories contribute to our understanding of
learning in a social context.
Vygotsky believed that learning occurs independently of social
influences.
Vygotsky focused solely on individual cognitive processes.
Vygotsky emphasized the role of social interaction and cultural
context in cognitive development.
Vygotsky's theories were primarily concerned with biological factors
in development.
9. Includes how body, mind, emotions, and relationships change and affect each
other:
Co-constructional development
Multidimensional development
Contextual development
Plastic development
Life-long
