LMSW Human Development Theories 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Carol Gilligan critiqued Kohlberg's moral development theory primarily because:
- It focused too heavily on non-Western cultures
- It was based on male subjects and undervalued care-based moral reasoning (Correct answer)
- It ignored the role of punishment in moral learning
- It did not account for cognitive development
Correct answer: It was based on male subjects and undervalued care-based moral reasoning
Gilligan argued that Kohlberg's framework, derived from male samples, privileged justice over the ethic of care more characteristic of female moral reasoning.
Question 2: In Bowlby's attachment theory, 'secure base' behavior refers to a child who:
- Refuses to explore when the caregiver is present
- Uses the caregiver as a foundation to safely explore the environment (Correct answer)
- Clings to the caregiver and cannot separate
- Ignores the caregiver when reunited after separation
Correct answer: Uses the caregiver as a foundation to safely explore the environment
A securely attached child uses the caregiver as a safe base from which to explore, returning when stressed and departing again when reassured.
Question 3: According to Erikson's psychosocial theory, failure to resolve the 'Initiative vs. Guilt' stage may result in:
- Social isolation and loneliness
- Feelings of worthlessness and inferiority
- Excessive self-criticism and inhibition of creativity (Correct answer)
- Identity diffusion and role confusion
Correct answer: Excessive self-criticism and inhibition of creativity
Unresolved guilt in this stage (ages 3–6) leads to over-restriction of initiative, causing the child to inhibit spontaneous activity and creativity.
Question 4: Which theorist introduced the concept of 'transitional objects' as a healthy bridge between early dependence and autonomy?
- Melanie Klein
- D.W. Winnicott (Correct answer)
- Heinz Kohut
- Otto Kernberg
Correct answer: D.W. Winnicott
Winnicott described transitional objects (e.g., a blanket or stuffed animal) as the infant's first 'not-me' possession, supporting the transition from complete dependence to independence.
Question 5: According to Bandura's social learning theory, 'self-efficacy' is best defined as:
- One's actual ability to perform a specific task
- An individual's belief in their capacity to execute behaviors to produce outcomes (Correct answer)
- The tendency to model behavior after rewarded others
- A trait determined by genetic inheritance
Correct answer: An individual's belief in their capacity to execute behaviors to produce outcomes
Self-efficacy refers to an individual's judgment about their capability to perform specific tasks, which influences motivation and behavior.
Question 6: A 75-year-old client who volunteers, mentors young professionals, and expresses satisfaction with life's meaning is best described by Erikson as demonstrating:
- Stagnation
- Generativity
- Integrity (Correct answer)
- Industry
Correct answer: Integrity
Ego integrity, the positive resolution of Erikson's final stage (65+), involves accepting one's life with a sense of meaning, dignity, and wisdom.
Question 7: The concept of 'goodness of fit' in temperament theory refers to:
- The genetic compatibility between parent and child
- The match between a child's temperamental style and environmental demands (Correct answer)
- A child's ability to adapt biologically to stress
- The degree to which siblings share temperamental traits
Correct answer: The match between a child's temperamental style and environmental demands
Goodness of fit describes the degree to which a child's temperament matches the expectations and demands of their environment, influencing developmental outcomes.
LMSW Human Development Theories 3
Carol Gilligan critiqued Kohlberg's moral development theory primarily because: