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HDFS 210 Exam 1: 150 Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales
Part 1: Foundational Theories & Issues in Human Development (Questions 1-35)
Nature vs. Nurture & Developmental Issues
1. Which of the following questions reflects the spirit of developmentalists with a
nature-nurture focus?
A. "Which genes are responsible for temper tantrums?"
B. "How do genes and environmental factors interact to influence sexual
orientation?"
C. "What risks does a child face if a mother smokes while pregnant?"
D. "When does societal influence exceed temperament in career selection?"
Answer: B
Rationale: The nature-nurture debate focuses on the interaction between genetic
(nature) and environmental (nurture) factors. Option B directly asks about this
interaction, while the others focus primarily on either genes or environment
alone.
,2. Which statement best captures critics' assessment of Piaget's theory of
cognitive development?
A. Piaget accurately identified the ages at which intellectual growth developed.
B. Stages of cognitive development are universally expressed.
C. Culture does not play a significant role in the timetable at which cognitive skills
emerge.
D. Cognitive development is not as discontinuous as Piaget suggested.
Answer: D
Rationale: Critics argue that cognitive development is more continuous than
Piaget proposed—children may possess abilities earlier than his stages suggest,
and development occurs more gradually rather than in distinct, abrupt shifts.
3. Which statement inaccurately characterizes contemporary views in lifespan
development?
A. Infancy is the most relevant stage of development.
B. Development across the life span involves both gains and losses.
C. Infant development is an outgrowth of adult development.
D. All stages in the life span are important.
,Answer: A
Rationale: Contemporary developmentalists recognize that ALL stages of life are
important, not just infancy. Development is lifelong, with each period having
unique significance and contributions to human growth.
4. Which statement reflects the most precise view regarding developmental
perspectives?
A. The evolutionary approach provides the most comprehensive view.
B. Explanations of human development are best examined from a single
perspective.
C. The humanistic approach provides the most accurate account of human
potential.
D. Many developmentalists advocate the use of an eclectic approach to human
development.
Answer: D
Rationale: An eclectic approach draws from multiple theoretical perspectives,
recognizing that no single theory fully explains human development. Most
, contemporary developmentalists integrate insights from various approaches to
gain a more complete understanding.
5. __________ change is development that occurs in distinct steps or stages, with
each stage resulting in behavior that is qualitatively different from behavior at
previous stages.
A. Linear
B. Scaffolded
C. Continuous
D. Discontinuous
Answer: D
Rationale: Discontinuous change proposes that development happens in distinct
stages where behavior at each stage is qualitatively different (not just more of the
same). Piaget's stage theory is a classic example.
6. Change that builds from one level to the next is described as __________, while
development that occurs in distinct stages or steps is __________.
A. critical; sensitive
B. discontinuous; continuous