LMSW Human Development Theories Questions and Answers Flashcards
7 cards from real LMSW practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 LMSW Human Development Theories Questions and Answers flashcards as text
According to Urie Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, which system directly contains the developing child?
Answer: Microsystem
The microsystem is the innermost layer and includes settings in which the child directly participates, such as family, school, and peer groups.
Vygotsky's concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) is best described as:
Answer: The gap between what a child can do alone and with guidance
The ZPD refers to tasks a child cannot yet accomplish alone but can complete with the support of a more knowledgeable other.
In object relations theory, the concept of 'splitting' refers to:
Answer: Viewing people as all-good or all-bad without integration
Splitting is a defense mechanism where a person fails to integrate positive and negative qualities of the self or others, seeing them as entirely good or entirely bad.
John Bowlby's attachment theory proposes that infants develop a 'secure base' from which to explore. This concept most directly relates to which developmental outcome?
Answer: Autonomy and healthy exploration in later development
A secure base allows infants to explore their environment confidently, knowing a caregiver is available, which fosters autonomy and healthy development.
Carol Gilligan critiqued Kohlberg's moral development theory primarily because:
Answer: It was based on samples that excluded women and undervalued care ethics
Gilligan argued that Kohlberg's model was androcentric, based on male subjects, and failed to capture the ethics of care more commonly voiced by women.
A child who watches an adult behave aggressively and then imitates that behavior is demonstrating which learning theory concept?
Answer: Observational learning
Observational learning, central to Bandura's social learning theory, occurs when a child acquires new behaviors by watching and imitating others.
Margaret Mahler's separation-individuation theory describes the 'rapprochement' subphase as characterized by:
Answer: The toddler returning to the mother after practicing independence, seeking reassurance
During rapprochement (approximately 15–24 months), the toddler becomes more aware of separateness from the mother and returns to her for emotional refueling while also asserting independence.