APA Developmental Psychology

Question 1

According to Piaget, during which stage do children first develop object permanence?

Accepted Answer

Sensorimotor

Answer

Object permanence — the understanding that objects continue to exist when out of sight — develops during the sensorimotor stage (birth–2 years).

Question 2

Erikson's stage of 'Trust vs. Mistrust' occurs during which period?

Accepted Answer

Infancy (birth–18 months)

Answer

Trust vs. Mistrust is Erikson's first psychosocial stage, occurring in infancy, where consistent caregiving fosters basic trust.

Question 3

What does Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) describe?

Accepted Answer

The range between what a child can do alone and with guidance

Answer

The ZPD is the gap between a learner's current independent capability and what they can achieve with scaffolding from a more knowledgeable other.

Question 4

Which attachment style, identified by Ainsworth, is characterized by distress at separation and resistance to comfort upon reunion?

Accepted Answer

Anxious-ambivalent (resistant) attachment

Answer

Anxious-ambivalent (resistant) infants are highly distressed when separated and then both seek and resist comfort from the caregiver upon reunion.

Question 5

According to Kohlberg, at the conventional level of moral reasoning, decisions are guided by:

Accepted Answer

Social rules and others' approval

Answer

At Kohlberg's conventional level, moral reasoning centers on maintaining social order, following rules, and seeking approval from others.

APA - American Psychological Association Practice Test