GRE Subject Test: Psychology : GRE Subject Test: Psychology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Psychology

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All GRE Subject Test: Psychology Resources

105 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept

Example Questions

Example Question #3 : Lifespan Development

An infant can show separation anxiety at the same time period they are expected to be able to:

Possible Answers:

say 5 or more words

walk unassisted

throw unassisted

draw a square

Correct answer:

walk unassisted

Explanation:

An infant is expected to be able to walk unassisted, can show separation anxiety, and say their first words (not necessarily 5 new words) at 12-15 months. By 1.5 years (18 months) of age, a toddler is expected to say around 10 words and throw a ball. A child is expected to be able to copy a square around age 5.

Example Question #6 : Lifespan Development

At 1.5 years of age, a child is expected to be able to

Possible Answers:

Stack 3 blocks

Catch a ball with two hands

Use about 250 words

Copy a circle

Correct answer:

Stack 3 blocks

Explanation:

At 1.5 years of age, a child is expected to be able to stack 3 blocks and use about 10 individual words. A toddler can say around 250 words by the age of 2. Secondly, a child is expected to be able to copy a circle by the age of 3. Lastly, a child is expected to catch a ball with two hands by the age of 5.

Example Question #7 : Lifespan Development

A child is expected to have imaginary companions at the same age they are expected to be able to:

Possible Answers:

Tie their shoelaces

Copy a square

Hop on one foot

Read

Correct answer:

Hop on one foot

Explanation:

A child normally, if applicable, begins having imaginary companions at 4 years of age. During this time they are also expected to be able to hop on one foot, copy a cross, play cooperatively with other children, and express themselves clearly verbally. A child is not expected to be able to copy a square until age 5. Children learn to tie shoelaces and read by the age of 6. 

Example Question #11 : Lifespan Development

At what age is a child expected to be able to catch a ball with both hands?

Possible Answers:

3 years

4 years

5 years

2 years

Correct answer:

5 years

Explanation:

A child is expected to be able to catch a ball with both hands by 5 years. During this time they are also expected to be able to copy a square, skip using both feet, and may show romantic feelings for the opposite sex (4-5 years of age). At the age of 2, most children can kick a ball. At 3 years, most children can climb stairs using alternate feet. At the age of 4, children are expected to be able to catch a ball with their arms. 

Example Question #2 : Physical & Motor

What shape is a child expected to be able to copy at the age of 4 years?

Possible Answers:

Cross

Square

Triangle

Diamond

Correct answer:

Cross

Explanation:

A child is expected to be able to draw a cross by the age of 4. A square is typically copied by 5 years, and a triangle by 6 years. The ability to copy a diamond is not expected until the age of 7.

Example Question #1 : Perception & Cognition

Which of the following cognitive psychologists is associated with the field of structuralism?

Possible Answers:

Edward Titchener

None of these

Sigmund Freud

Abraham Maslow

Noam Chomsky

Correct answer:

Edward Titchener

Explanation:

Edward Titchener (1867-1922) was a member of the structuralist field of thought. He and the other structural psychologists aimed to reduce psychological phenomena down to its basic mental processes.

Example Question #2 : Perception & Cognition

At what age is an infant expected to say their first words?

Possible Answers:

4-6 months

16-18 months

12-15 months

7-11 months

Correct answer:

12-15 months

Explanation:

An infant is expected to say their first words at 12-15 months, show object permanence, walk unassisted, and can exhibit separation anxiety. At 4-6 months, infants start to babble or repeat sounds. At 7-11 months, infants can imitate sounds but not usually say their first word yet. At 16-18 months, toddlers are expected to be able to say around 10 words. 

Example Question #3 : Perception & Cognition

At what age is an infant expected to imitate sounds and respond to their own name?

Possible Answers:

4-6 months

7-11 months

1-3 months

12-15 months

Correct answer:

7-11 months

Explanation:

An infant starts imitating sounds, using gestures, and responding to their own name and simple instructions at 7-11 months. By 12-15 months, an infant is expected to say their first words. At 4-6 months, infants start to babble or repeat sounds but don't yet respond to their own name. At 1-3 months, infants are only cooing or gurgling in response to attention. 

Example Question #1 : Language Development

A child says to her mother, "I goed to the store today." Using "goed" instead of "went" is known as which of the following?
Possible Answers:

Babbling

Error of growth

Phonology

Pragmatics

Correct answer:

Error of growth

Explanation:
Errors of growth, also known as overregulation, occur when a child learning a language incorrectly applies a general rule to all words. In English, adding the suffix "ed" to a verb, generally puts it into past tense; however, there are exceptions (such as with the verb to go). Babbling also occurs in language development, but it is spontaneous nonsense syllables that are a precursor to language. Phonology has to do with the basic building blocks of words such as letters. Pragmatics is the most complex component of language that has to do with the efficient use of language such as tone.

Example Question #1 : Intelligence Development

According to Erik Erikson, the parent's role in stimulating curiosity and reinforcing a sence of accomplishment in intellectual success so that the child develops a sense of competence occurs during which developmental stage?

Possible Answers:

Toddler (age 1 to 2 years)

Grade school years (age 6 to 12 years)

Adolescence (age 12 to 18 years)

Infancy (age 0 to 1 year)

Early childhood (age 2 to 6 years)

Correct answer:

Grade school years (age 6 to 12 years)

Explanation:

During the grade school years (age 6 to 12 years) the parenteral role is to stimulate curiosity and pleasure in intellectual success so that the child develops a sense of competence, as opposed to feelings of inferiority and expectations of failure. 

All GRE Subject Test: Psychology Resources

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