B.L.A.; occasionally A.L.B. Bachelor of Liberal Arts Psychology and Human Behavior 2

Question 1

According to Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, what is the first stage that infants experience from birth to approximately age two?

Accepted Answer

Sensorimotor stage

Answer

The sensorimotor stage (birth to ~2 years) is Piaget's first stage, during which infants learn about the world through sensory experiences and motor actions, developing object permanence.

Question 2

The bystander effect, studied by Latané and Darley following the Kitty Genovese case, suggests that people are less likely to offer help in an emergency when:

Accepted Answer

Other bystanders are present

Answer

The bystander effect occurs because the presence of others creates a diffusion of responsibility — each person assumes someone else will act, reducing individual likelihood of helping.

Question 3

B.F. Skinner's operant conditioning theory holds that behavior is shaped primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Consequences such as reinforcement and punishment

Answer

Skinner demonstrated that voluntary behavior is strengthened through reinforcement and weakened through punishment, forming the foundation of operant conditioning.

Question 4

Cognitive dissonance, a concept introduced by Leon Festinger, refers to the discomfort experienced when a person holds:

Accepted Answer

Two contradictory beliefs or attitudes simultaneously

Answer

Cognitive dissonance arises when a person holds two or more conflicting cognitions, motivating them to reduce the inconsistency by changing a belief, attitude, or behavior.

Question 5

John Bowlby's attachment theory proposes that the bond formed between an infant and a caregiver primarily serves which function?

Accepted Answer

Providing a secure base for exploration and emotional regulation

Answer

Bowlby argued that secure attachment to a primary caregiver gives infants a safe haven and secure base, supporting healthy emotional development and future relationships.

B.L.A.; occasionally A.L.B. Bachelor of Liberal Arts Practice Test

B.L.A.; occasionally A.L.B. Bachelor of Liberal Arts Practice Test

B.L.A.; occasionally A.L.B. Bachelor of Liberal Arts Psychology and Human Behavior 2