ASPPB Developmental Psychology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Vygotsky's concept of the 'zone of proximal development' (ZPD) refers to:
- Tasks a child can complete independently
- The gap between what a child can do alone and with guidance (Correct answer)
- The maximum cognitive capacity a child will ever reach
- Skills learned through classical conditioning
Correct answer: The gap between what a child can do alone and with guidance
The ZPD is the range of tasks too difficult to master alone but achievable with the help of a more skilled person.
Question 2: Which theorist proposed that moral development proceeds through preconventional, conventional, and postconventional levels?
- Piaget
- Gilligan
- Kohlberg (Correct answer)
- Erikson
Correct answer: Kohlberg
Lawrence Kohlberg described three levels of moral reasoning, each containing two stages.
Question 3: Stranger anxiety in infants typically emerges around which age?
- 1–2 months
- 3–4 months
- 6–8 months (Correct answer)
- 12–14 months
Correct answer: 6–8 months
Stranger anxiety peaks around 8 months as infants develop clear attachments and can differentiate familiar from unfamiliar faces.
Question 4: In Bronfenbrenner's ecological model, the 'mesosystem' includes:
- Cultural values and economic systems
- Connections between two or more microsystems (Correct answer)
- Direct settings the child inhabits
- Changes over time in the child's environment
Correct answer: Connections between two or more microsystems
The mesosystem comprises the interactions between microsystems, such as the relationship between home and school.
Question 5: Which reflex causes a newborn to turn their head toward a touch on the cheek and open their mouth?
- Moro reflex
- Babinski reflex
- Rooting reflex (Correct answer)
- Palmar grasp reflex
Correct answer: Rooting reflex
The rooting reflex is an adaptive neonatal response that facilitates breastfeeding.
Question 6: Resilience in children facing adversity is BEST described as:
- Complete immunity to stress
- Positive adaptation despite significant risk or hardship (Correct answer)
- Absence of behavioral problems at any point
- Genetic superiority over peers
Correct answer: Positive adaptation despite significant risk or hardship
Resilience involves the capacity to recover from or adapt well to stress, trauma, or adversity.
Question 7: Which developmental milestone is typically achieved LAST in normal motor development?
- Sitting without support
- Standing with assistance
- Walking independently (Correct answer)
- Rolling from back to front
Correct answer: Walking independently
Independent walking typically emerges around 12 months, after sitting, rolling, and supported standing.
ASPPB Developmental Psychology 2
Vygotsky's concept of the 'zone of proximal development' (ZPD) refers to: