| Portage Learning Psychology | Comprehensive
Questions, Answers & Rationales
This comprehensive study resource is designed for students preparing for the PSYC 140
Module 1 Exam. It includes multiple-choice questions derived from key course concepts,
with highlighted correct answers and detailed rationales to enhance understanding and
retention.
Question 1: Which type of study compares different age groups at the same time?
A) Longitudinal study
B) Cross-sectional study
C) Experimental study
D) Case study
Rationale: Cross-sectional studies involve comparing different age groups at the same time to
understand differences or developmental changes. This approach contrasts with longitudinal
studies (A), which follow the same individuals over time. Experimental studies (C) test
hypotheses through controlled manipulation, and case studies (D) focus on detailed analysis of
a single subject or small group.
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Question 2: What characterizes a cross-sectional study in developmental psychology?
A) It follows the same group of participants over many years.
B) It compares different age groups at one point in time.
C) It involves experimental manipulation of variables.
D) It uses a single case for in-depth analysis.
Rationale: A cross-sectional study compares different age groups simultaneously to examine
age-related differences. Longitudinal studies (A) track participants over time, experimental
studies (C) manipulate variables to establish cause and effect, and case studies (D) provide
detailed qualitative insights on a single case.
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Question 3: Which of the following best describes the prenatal development period?
, A) It is divided into three trimesters and is affected by teratogens.
B) It begins at birth and continues through early childhood.
C) It is the stage when the newborn adjusts to life outside the womb.
D) It refers to the cognitive development occurring in adolescence.
Rationale: Prenatal development is characterized by three trimesters and can be affected by
teratogens, which are environmental agents that can cause fetal harm. Options B, C, and D
refer to postnatal stages and developmental concepts unrelated to prenatal development.
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Question 4: Which advantage is commonly associated with cross-sectional studies in
developmental research?
A) They are more time-efficient.
B) They provide detailed longitudinal data.
C) They control for cohort effects.
D) They reduce the risk of participant dropout.
Rationale: Cross-sectional studies are time-efficient because they collect data from multiple
age groups simultaneously, preventing the lengthy time commitments required in longitudinal
designs. However, they cannot provide longitudinal data (B), may be susceptible to cohort
effects (C), and do not necessarily reduce participant dropout risk (D).
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Question 5: Which of the following during prenatal development is associated with a
risk of causing limb deformity?
A) Exposure to teratogens
B) Third trimester fetal growth
C) Genetic inheritance only
D) Normal cell division during germinal period
Rationale: Teratogens are environmental agents that can disrupt prenatal development and
are known to cause physical deformities such as limb malformations. Normal cell division (D)
is essential for development, and genetic inheritance (C) is a factor but teratogens are the
environmental risk. Third trimester growth (B) is less commonly a period for limb deformity
risk.
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