Developmental Psychology (MPTC/809-188)
Learning Plan 1: Developmental Myths Quiz
You already have many beliefs about development. You might have picked up these opinions from
parents, friends, relatives, and/or Oprah. These sources may or may not be accurate. Historically, parents
relied on these anecdotal sources because they did not have access to developmental research findings.
Today, scientific data are more readily available. So, parents now are able to formulate their own
educated ideas regarding human development. For each statement on the handout, indicate whether you
agree or disagree with the statement and write down your ideas regarding the statement.
 My baby started walking and talking earlier than other babies. I know he will be a smart adolescent.
This may or may not be true, this child is going to go through other stages that can alter this child’s
intelligence.
 I pick up my baby as soon as she starts to cry, but my mother-in-law thinks I’m going to spoil her.
I feel that there term spoiled is incorrect. I do feel that later in early childhood the child may expect to be
held when feeling sad emotions. As a baby, the child will catch on that if I cry mother will hold me.
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I want to have only one child, but my wife thinks that only children have problems relating to other
children.
This I feel is not true, because there are many other options to having your child receive social
interactions such as daycare, play dates, head start, ect.
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I think that in order to raise a well disciplined child I will have to use physical discipline. (“Spare the
rod, and spoil the child.”)
Physical discipline is not necessary, there are other ways such as time out, taking away a favorite toy, or
scolding (guess I’m old school that way)
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My son just turned 13 and I’m worried about how our relationship is going to change because
adolescence is always a difficult time for parents and children.
This is a fact of life and the relationship may change but as long as the parent remains positive and a
parent. The parent should find constructive ways to deal with her sons changes and support his
adolescent years. (they should be some of the best years to a child)
 I’m looking for a wife and my grandmother keeps telling me that opposites attract.
That I believe is just a figure of speech. This for me is hard to explain, when the right person comes
around you will know. When it’s right, it’s right.
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My husband is about to turn 40 and I know he is going to go through a mid-life crisis because all men
have a mid-life crisis.
Not all people have mid-life crises, This is just another figure of speech. If the husband is where he wants
to be in life by this age things will be just fine.
 I’ve just moved out of my parents’ house. I wonder if their marriage will suffer now that I am gone.
I feel that the marriage will grow because they are moving on to a new stage of their relationship.
 I know my grandparents don’t have sex anymore because old people are not interested in sex.
I disagree, if elderly are not having intercourse I’m am sure it has a lot more to do with physical issues
and hormonal changes due to aging.
Developmental Psychology (MPTC/809-188)
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My great aunt has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and she acts as if nothing is wrong. This must
be very unusual for a person in her situation.
I feel that this could be several thing, should could be in denial, or has excepted the fact of death, or has
found a way to coope.