Psychology Exam Study Guide
Modules 7 & 8
Definitions (C2)
Five of the following eight terms will appear on the exam:
 Rooting reflex
 Habituation
 Schema
 Object permanence
 Conservation
 Stranger anxiety
 Basic trust
 Self-concept
Questions:
1) Describe in as much detail as possible Piaget’s 4 stages of cognitive development.
(C1, C2,)
2) Mrs. Karina spends a lot of time stroking, cuddling, and rocking her infant son
and seems to be highly aware of the baby's actions and needs. Mr. Karina worries
that his wife's interactions with the baby may eventually lead the child to (a) cry
easily when frustrated, (b) fearfully cling to his mother, (c) become unfriendly
toward other people, and (d) become withdrawn and uninterested in his
surroundings. Describe research on social development that supports or refutes
each of the father's concerns. (C1, C3)
3) Mr. and Mrs. McDonald believe in the importance of stern discipline; they impose
strict rules which they expect their children to obey without question. They
penalize misbehavior harshly, frequently with a spanking. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds
use milder forms of punishment to enforce their rules. They also have regular
family meetings in which their children help them to establish household rules
and penalties for breaking them. What do you see as the advantages and
disadvantages of these two disciplinary approaches? Explain the reasons for your
answer. (C1, C3)
Module 9
Definitions (C2)
Three of the following four terms will appear on the exam:
 Adolescence
 Moral feeling
 Identity
 Intimacy
Questions:
1) Describe the three major stages in Kohlberg’s moral ladder. (C1, C2)
2) In your opinion is morality a product of reason or intuition? Provide evidence to
justify your answer. (C1, C3)
3) Thirteen-year-old Philip has begun to challenge many of his parents' values and to
express his own set of highly idealistic standards. Compare and contrast the
explanations for Philip's behavior that would be given by Kohlberg and by
Erikson. (C1, C3)
Module 10
Definitions (C2)
Four of the following six terms will appear on the exam:
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Menopause
Cross-sectional study
Longitudinal study
Crystallized intelligence
Fluid intelligence
Social Clock
Questions:
1) In what ways do memory and intelligence change as we age? (C1, C3)
2) What has the study of psychology revealed about the extent to which our
personalities are stable and/or changing? (C1, C3)
3) As Joan begins experiencing symptoms of menopause, she worries about the loss
of (a) health and vitality, (b) intellectual capacity, and (c) life satisfaction.
Describe research that would serve to justify or minimize each of Brianna's
concerns. (C1, C3)