CHAPTER 2: THE PUZZLE OF CHILDHOOD
2.1 Multiple Choice Questions
2.1-1 Of the four basic perspectives on child development,
a. each perspective furnishes the “Truth” about child development
b. some perspectives are accurate; others are not
c. no one perspective provides us with the complete information about child development
d. the various theories of child development cancel out each other
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 24
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-2 Child development involves
a. all of the following
b. enduring changes
c. biological changes
d. changes due to the environment
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 24
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.2
2.1-3 Which perspective on personality is primarily concerned with the influence of genetics?
a. biological
b. ecological
c. psychodynamic
d. social learning
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 24–25
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-4 About what percentage of American children live in poverty?
a. 2
b. 10
c. 21
d. 37
Answer: C
Diff:1
Page Ref: 25
Skill: Factual
APA SLO: 8.4
2.1-5 Approximately what percentage of American children are born out of wedlock?
a. 10
b. 25
c. 40
d. 60
Answer: C
Diff: 1
Skill: Factual
Page Ref: 25
APA SLO: 8.2
2.1-6 Biological aspects of development include
a. heredity
b. aspects of the nervous system related to behavior
c. the influence of hormones
d. all of the above
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 25
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.2
2.1-7 Most researchers agree that intelligence and ______ have strong genetic influences.
a. clothing choices
b. interests
c. occupations
d. sociability
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 26
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.2
2.1-8 Which perspective on personality emphasizes the role of environmental context on
children's development?
a. biological
b. ecological
c. social learning
d. humanistic
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 26
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-9 Which of Bronfenbrenner's systems refers to the setting the child is currently in?
a. macrosystem
b. mesosystem
c. microsystem
d. exosystem
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 26
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-10 Children who experience sensitive, responsive care at home are better liked by their peers
at school. This is an example of the
a. exosystem
b. microsystem
c. macrosystem
d. mesosystem
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Skill: Conceptual
Page Ref: 27
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-11 In the _______, children and adolescents are influenced by social settings that they do not
take part in.
a. microsystem
b. mesosystem
c. exosystem
d. macrosystem
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 27
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-12 Youth brought up in a culture that is more accepting of real-life violence tend to be more
violent themselves. This is an example of the
a. exosystem
b. macrosystem
c. mesosystem
d. microsystem
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 27
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-13 Which is not part of Bronfenbrenner's ecological perspective?
a. ecosystem
b. macrosystem
c. microsystem
d. mesosystem
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 26–27
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-14 Which perspective on personality tends to view personality in terms of the interactions
between the driving forces of development, such as desires, anxieties, conflict, and defenses?
a. biological
b. psychodynamic
c. social learning
d. humanistic
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 28
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-15 The first of Erikson's stages of psychosocial development corresponds to
a. autonomy vs. shame
b. industry vs. inferiority
c. trust vs. mistrust
d. intimacy vs. isolation
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Skill: Conceptual
Page Ref: 28
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-16 A stubborn, compulsively orderly personality may result from fixation at
a. the early phase of the Oedipal stage
b. the later phase of the anal stage
c. the early phase of the latency stage
d. the later phase of the phallic stage
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 29
Skill: Applied
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-17 In which psychoanalytic stage did Freud say genuine love develops?
a. oral
b. anal
c. genital
d. latency
Answer: C
Diff:1
Page Ref: 29
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-18 The relatively dormant stage of personality development according to Freud is the
_______ stage.
a. oral
b. anal
c. phallic
d. latency
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 29
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-19 The stage at which the child develops an Oedipal or Electra complex, in which the child is
attracted to the opposite-sex parent, is the _______ stage.
a. oral
b. anal
c. phallic
d. latency
Answer: C
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 29
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-20 According to Erikson, the second stage of psychosocial development poses the
developmental task of
a. autonomy vs. shame
b. trust vs. mistrust
c. industry vs. inferiority
d. initiative vs. guilt
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Skill: Conceptual
Page Ref: 29
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-21 According to Erikson, if the parents of a 2-year-old are coercive or overprotective, the
child will experience
a. self-doubt
b. despair
c. isolation
d. guilt
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 29
Skill: Applied
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-22 From 3 to 6 years of age, children are faced with the crisis of
a. autonomy vs. shame
b. trust vs. mistrust
c. identity vs. role confusion
d. initiative vs. guilt
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 29
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-23 According to Erikson, if a child's actions are unduly restricted at about the age of 7 years,
the child will develop a sense of
a. shame
b. despair
c. inferiority
d. isolation
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 30
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-24 According to Erikson, individuals face the identity vs. role confusion stage at what age?
a. 3-6
b. 6-11
c. 12-18
d. 20-40
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 30
Skill: Factual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-25 In Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development, the polar opposite of industry is
a. inferiority
b. isolation
c. guilt
d. mistrust
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 30
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-26 The process by which we learn by observing is called
a. punishment
b. reinforcement
c. learning theory
d. observational learning
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 32
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.2
2.1-27 The concept of reinforcement
a . rarely works
b. is used to enhance learning
c. deals with conscious needs
d. can largely explain behavior
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 32
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.2
2.1-28 __________ emphasizes the importance of learning and the environment rather than
biological or unconscious drives.
a. Bandura's social learning theory
b. Erikson's psychosocial theory
c. Freud's psychodynamic theory
d. Jung's analytical psychology
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 32
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-29 Carol likes Dr. Reed, the supervisor of her practice teaching. In fact, Carol often finds
herself adopting many of Dr. Reed's methods and mannerisms in the classroom. Bandura refers
to this type of learning as
a. classical conditioning
b. observational learning
c. identification with the parent figure
d. due to the effects of unconscious Oedipal wishes
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 32
Skill: Applied
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-30 Social learning theorists such as Bandura regard the inconsistencies in human behavior as
largely the product of
a. situational factors
b. personality traits
c. conditioned responses
d. unconscious conflicts
Answer: A
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 32
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1-31 Which perspective on personality argues children should NOT be exposed to violence on
television?
a. the social learning perspective
b. psychoanalysis
c. behaviorism
d. all perspectives have argued against televised violence
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 33
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.1.32 Which of these is NOT a foundational element of development?
a. temperament
b. self-esteem
c. attachment
d. self-concept
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 34
Skill: Factual
APA SLO: 1.2
2.1-33 Approximately what percentage of American children derive comfort from transitional
objects?
a. 20
b. 40
c. 60
d. 80
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 35
Skill: Factual
APA SLO: 1.2
2.1-34 Children who are very anxious in a new environment and when interacting with a
stranger, even in the presence of the mother, display ___________ attachment.
a. secure
b. insecure-ambivalent
c. insecure-avoidant
d. insecure-disorganized
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Skill: Applied
Page Ref: 36
APA SLO: 1.2
2.1-35 Attachment is important for children because
a. it is gene-driven
b. they are self-sufficient
c. it helps them have better social skills
d. it comes from fear
Answer: C
Diff:1
Page Ref: 36–37
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.2
2.1-36 The “rouge test” was important because it showed
a. self-recognition
b. behaviorism
c. social learning
d. biological attachment
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 37
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.2
2.1-37 Self-recognition generally develops around ______ months.
a. 9-17
b. 18-24
c. 25-31
d. 32-38
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 37
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.2
2.1-38 Parents who display a great of warmth or affection, while demonstrating an almost total
lack of control over or supervision of their children, exemplify which parenting style?
a. permissive
b. authoritative
c. authoritarian
d. uninvolved
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 39
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.2
2.1-39 Parents who display little warmth or affection, while exerting tremendous control over
their children exemplify which parenting style?
a. authoritative
b. permissive
c. uninvolved
d. authoritarian
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Skill: Conceptual
Page Ref: 39
APA SLO: 1.2
2.1-40 Which parenting style tends to lead to the best social, emotional and cognitive outcomes
for youth?
a. permissive
b. authoritative
c. uninvolved
d. authoritarian
Answer: B
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 39
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.2
2.2 True/False Questions
2.2-1 Close to 20 percent of children are taken care of by their fathers while their mothers work.
Answer: True
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 25
Skill: Factual
APA SLO: 8.2
2.2-2 Around 30 percent of high school students report having sexual intercourse.
Answer: False
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 25
Skill: Factual
APA SLO: 1.2
2.2-3 According to the humanistic perspective, much of our personal development may be
attributable to genetics.
Answer: False
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 25
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.2-4 Psychologists have consistently been able to support the idea that personality varies by the
order of one's birth.
Answer: False
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 26
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.2
2.2-5 The macrosystem refers to the set of shared values, goals, practices, and attitudes that
characterize a group of people.
Answer: True
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 27
Skill: Factual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.2-6 In the ecological perspective, the linking of microsystems is referred to as an exosystem.
Answer: False
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 27
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.2-7 Freud's theory of psychosexual stages does not encompass a realistic view of child
development.
Answer: True
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 29
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.2, 1.4
2.2-8 Freud teaches that genuine love emerges in the oral stage.
Answer: False
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 29
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.2-9 According to Freud, the latency period extends from 5 to 18 years with modest interest in
erogenous satisfaction.
Answer: False
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 29
Skill: Factual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.2-10 Erikson's second psychosocial stage, autonomy vs. shame and doubt, occurs between 4
and 7 years of age.
Answer: False
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 29
Skill: Factual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.2-11 For children attempting to resolve Erikson's identity vs. role confusion crisis, more and
more identity exploration is occurring online.
Answer: True
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 31
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.2-12 According to Erikson, if you have an unsuccessful outcome during the previous stage,
you will be unsuccessful during the next stage.
Answer: False
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 31
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.2-13 The process by which we learn by observing other people's behaviors without necessarily
having any direct reward is called reinforcement.
Answer: False
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 32
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.2-14 The daily exposure of media for youth between 8 and 18 years of age is about 4 hours and
30 minutes.
Answer: False
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 33
Skill: Factual
APA SLO: 8.2
2.2-15 Studies show that exposure to violence in films, television, video games and other media
has no correlation to increases aggressive thoughts, feelings and behaviors in children and adults.
Answer: False
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 33
Skill: Factual
APA SLO: 8.2
2.2-16 Temperament is fluid and changes often as we age.
Answer: False
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 35
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.2
2.2-17 The use of transitional objects means that children cannot derive comfort from their
mothers or other attachment figures.
Answer: False
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 35
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.2
2.2-18 When both the mother and father are present in the family, children have fewer behavior
problems.
Answer: True
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 37
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 8.2
2.2-19 In general, authoritarian parenting produces the best social, emotional and cognitive
outcomes for youth.
Answer: True
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 39
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.2
2.2-20 The overall view of spanking is that it should not be used.
Answer: True
Diff: 1
Page Ref: 39
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.2
2.3 Short Answer Questions
2.3-1 How does heredity influence personal development?
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 25–26
Skill: Applied
APA SLO: 1.2
2.3-2 How can your actions play a role in the development of children that you do not come into
direct contact with?
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 26–37
Skill: Applied
APA SLO: 1.4
2.3-3 List and describe three stages from Erikson's theory of personality development.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 28-31
Skill: Factual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.3-4 What is observational learning? How does it occur?
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 32
Skill: Factual, Conceptual APA SLO: 1.4
2.3-5 What role do transitional objects play in child development?
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 35
Skill: Conceptual
APA SLO: 1.2
2.3-6 How and why does media violence affect behavior?
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 33
Skill: Applied
APA SLO: 1.2, 8.2
2.3-7 What are three ways fathers influence children according to psychological research?
Diff: 3
Page Ref: 37
Skill: Applied
APA SLO: 1.2
2.3-8 Based on the psychological literature, briefly discuss the pros and cons of spanking.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 39–40
Skill: Applied
APA SLO: 1.2
2.4 Essay Questions
2.4-1 Provide some insightful statistics on children. In your opinion are our children generally
living well?
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 25
Skill: Applied
APA SLO: 1.2, 8.2
2.4-2 Explain the structure of Freud’s psychosexual stages of development.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 29
Skill: Factual
APA SLO: 1.4
2.4-3 Explain Erikson's view of personality.
Diff: 2
Page Ref: 28–31
Skill: Factual, Conceptual APA SLO: 1.4
2.4-4 Explain social learning theory. What are the implications of this theory for child
development?
Diff: 2
Skill: Applied
Page Ref: 32–33
APA SLO: 1.2, 1.4
2.4-5 Compare and contrast any two perspectives on child development.
Diff: 3
Page Ref: Chapter 2
Skill: Applied
APA SLO: 1.4
2.4-6 Describe the contributions and limitations of any one perspective to the study of child
development.
Diff: 3
Page Ref: Chapter 2
Skill: Applied
APA SLO: 1.2, 1.4
2.4-7 Provide a definition and an example for each of the following terms. Also, identify the
perspective from which the concept originates: mesosystem, reinforcement, identity vs. role
confusion, and observational learning.
Diff: 3
Page Ref: Chapter 2
Skill: Factual
APA SLO: 1.2, 1.4
2.4-8 Write an essay about your own development by incorporating concepts from any one
perspective on development.
Diff: 3
Page Ref: Chapter 2
Skill: Applied
APA SLO: 1.2, 1.3, 1.4