Lifespan Psychology

Question 1

Provide 2 examples of biological development.

Answer 1

1. Physical growth during childhood.
2. Brain maturation in adolescence.

Question 2

Provide 2 examples of psychological/cognitive development.

Answer 2

1. Development of problem-solving skills.
2. Changes in memory capacity with age.

Question 3

Provide 2 examples of sociocultural development.

Answer 3

1. Influence of family dynamics on behavior.
2. Impact of cultural norms on identity formation.

Question 4

Contrast continuous and discontinuous development.

Answer 4

Continuous development is gradual and cumulative, while discontinuous development involves distinct stages.

Question 5

Describe cross-sectional designs in lifespan research.

Answer 5

Cross-sectional designs study different age groups at one point in time.

Question 6

Describe longitudinal designs in lifespan research.

Answer 6

Longitudinal designs study the same group of individuals over an extended period.

Question 7

List 2 advantages of cross-sectional designs.

Answer 7

1. Quick data collection.
2. Easier to analyze differences between age groups.

Question 8

List 2 disadvantages of cross-sectional designs.

Answer 8

1. Cannot track individual changes over time.
2. Cohort effects may confound results.

Question 9

List 2 advantages of longitudinal designs.

Answer 9

1. Can observe changes in the same individuals.
2. Provides insights into developmental trends.

Question 10

List 2 disadvantages of longitudinal designs.

Answer 10

1. Time-consuming and expensive.
2. Risk of participant dropout.

Question 11

How can development be measured quantitatively?

Answer 11

1. Standardized tests (e.g., IQ tests).
2. Surveys with numerical scales.

Question 12

How can development be measured qualitatively?

Answer 12

1. Interviews to gather personal narratives.
2. Observational studies to assess behavior.

Question 13

What does it mean that development can be influenced by nature and nurture?

Answer 13

It means that both genetic factors (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) shape development.

Question 14

Name the 4 stages of development in Piaget’s theory.

Answer 14

1. Sensorimotor: Understanding through senses and actions.
2. Preoperational: Development of language and symbolic thinking.
3. Concrete operational: Logical thinking about concrete events.
4. Formal operational: Abstract reasoning and problem-solving.

Question 15

Evaluate the strengths of Piaget’s theory.

Answer 15

1. Provides a comprehensive framework for understanding cognitive development.
2. Highlights the importance of stages in learning.

Question 16

Evaluate the limitations of Piaget’s theory.

Answer 16

1. Underestimates children’s abilities at certain stages.
2. Lacks consideration of cultural and social influences.

Question 17

What are the positive impacts of technology on development?

Answer 17

1. Enhances learning opportunities through educational tools.
2. Facilitates communication and social interaction.

Question 18

What are the negative impacts of technology on development?

Answer 18

1. Can lead to decreased face-to-face interactions.
2. May contribute to attention issues and distractions.

Question 19

Outline how the Pomodoro effect can be beneficial for focus and productivity.

Answer 19

The Pomodoro effect involves working in focused intervals (usually 25 minutes) followed by short breaks, which can enhance concentration and reduce burnout.