GRE Subject Test: Psychology : Physical & Motor

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

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All GRE Subject Test: Psychology Resources

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Example Questions

Example Question #3 : Lifespan Development

According to the Denver Developmental Screening Test, a child should develop which of the following motor skills at approximately eight months old?

Possible Answers:

Grasp a piece of cereal in thumb and finger

Scribble

Kick a ball

Walk

Make a tower of two cubes

Correct answer:

Grasp a piece of cereal in thumb and finger

Explanation:

According to the Denver Developmental Screening Test, which is a widely used screening test to detect problems in the development of children from birth to six years of age, a child should be able use use their thumb and finger to grasp or pinch a piece of cereal at eight months of age. After one year of age the child should be able to walk, scribble, make a tower of two cubes, and kick a ball. 

Example Question #2 : Lifespan Development

A mother tickles her newborn baby's foot, causing the baby's big toe to extend upwards while the other toes fan out. This best describes which of the following reflexes?

Possible Answers:

Grasp 

Babinski 

Moro 

Rooting

Correct answer:

Babinski 

Explanation:

The question describes the Babinski reflex. It is present at birth and will continue until the infant reaches approximately two years of age.

Example Question #3 : Physical & Motor

Reflexes occur after particular parts of the body are stimulated. Which of the following body parts and infant reflexes is correctly matched?

Possible Answers:

Rooting and cheeks

Moro and hands

Grasping and toes

Babinski and ears

Correct answer:

Rooting and cheeks

Explanation:

The correct answer is “rooting and cheeks.” The rooting reflex involves the infant turning its head after its cheek is stimulated. The Moro reflex is also called the startle reflex because the infant extends its arms and limbs after being startled. The Babinski reflex happens when an infant's foot is rubbed and its toes fan out. Last, the grasping reflex occurs when a finger or object is put in an infant's hand. 

Example Question #3 : Lifespan Development

What motor movement is an infant expected to be able to do around the same time the child develops a social smile?

Possible Answers:

Crawl 

Lift head up while lying on his or her back (prone)

Sit without assistance

Walk without assistance

Correct answer:

Lift head up while lying on his or her back (prone)

Explanation:

Infants are expected to be able to lift their head, smile socially, and coo between the age of 1-3 months. Infants begin to crawl between 7-11 months. Infants start walking between 12-15 months. Lastly, infants can begin to sit unassisted between 4-6 months. 

Example Question #4 : Lifespan Development

At 4-6 months of age, an infant is expected to be able to do/exhibit all of the following except:

Possible Answers:

Smile socially

Crawl on hands and knees

Sit unassisted

Recognize familiar people

Correct answer:

Crawl on hands and knees

Explanation:

An infant is not expected to be able to crawl until 7-11 months, where they are also expected to show stranger anxiety, use gestures, and imitate sounds. The rest of the listed behaviors are typical of an infant between 4-6 months. 

Example Question #5 : 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

draw a square

throw unassisted

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:

Use about 250 words

Catch a ball with two hands

Stack 3 blocks

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 #6 : Lifespan Development

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

Possible Answers:

Copy a square

Tie their shoelaces

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 #1 : Physical & Motor

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

Possible Answers:

4 years

3 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:

Diamond

Square

Triangle

Cross

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.

All GRE Subject Test: Psychology Resources

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