LMSW Human Development Theories Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 4-year-old child in a preschool setting is observed actively planning and initiating make-believe scenarios with peers.
The child is also beginning to show an understanding of taking turns and is eager to take on roles like 'teacher' or 'doctor' during play.
According to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, which of the following crises is this child most likely navigating?

Accepted Answer

Initiative vs. Guilt

Answer

Trust vs. Mistrust

Answer

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Answer

Industry vs. Inferiority

Question 2

A social worker is working with an adolescent who can think abstractly about moral dilemmas and considers the importance of societal laws and individual rights when making decisions. The adolescent believes that while laws should generally be upheld, there are times when they may need to be changed for the greater good. According to Kohlberg's theory of moral development, which level has this adolescent likely reached?

Accepted Answer

Postconventional

Answer

Preconventional

Answer

Conventional

Answer

Unconventional

Question 3

Which of the following scenarios BEST illustrates Piaget's concept of 'object permanence'?

Accepted Answer

A 1-year-old cries and searches for their mother after she walks out of the room.

Answer

A 7-year-old correctly determines that a tall, thin glass and a short, wide glass hold the same amount of water.

Answer

A 4-year-old believes that their stuffed animal is sad because it was left behind.

Answer

A 13-year-old is able to solve a complex algebraic equation.

Question 4

A social worker using Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory is assessing a child's behavioral issues. The social worker considers the influence of the child's family, peers, and school environment. Which system is the social worker primarily focusing on?

Accepted Answer

Microsystem

Answer

Macrosystem

Answer

Exosystem

Answer

Mesosystem

Question 5

A 2-year-old child is struggling with toilet training. The parents are very strict and often scold the child for accidents. According to Erikson's theory, failure to successfully navigate this stage could lead to feelings of:

Accepted Answer

Shame and Doubt

Answer

Mistrust

Answer

Guilt

Answer

Inferiority

Question 6

Margaret Mahler's object relations theory is primarily concerned with which of the following developmental processes?

Accepted Answer

The child's process of separating from the primary caregiver and developing an individual identity.

Answer

The development of moral reasoning through social dilemmas.

Answer

The impact of observational learning and modeling on behavior.

Answer

The resolution of psychosocial crises across the entire lifespan.