GRE Subject Test: Psychology : Lifespan Development

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

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Example Questions

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.

Example Question #11 : Lifespan Development

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

Possible Answers:

None of these

Noam Chomsky

Sigmund Freud

Edward Titchener

Abraham Maslow

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 #12 : Lifespan Development

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 #13 : Lifespan Development

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

Possible Answers:

7-11 months

12-15 months

4-6 months

1-3 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 #14 : Lifespan 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:

Error of growth

Pragmatics

Phonology

Babbling

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:

Adolescence (age 12 to 18 years)

Early childhood (age 2 to 6 years)

Toddler (age 1 to 2 years)

Grade school years (age 6 to 12 years)

Infancy (age 0 to 1 year)

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. 

Example Question #2 : Intelligence Development

Which of the following types of intelligence derived from Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory is concerned with the ability to solve problems?

Possible Answers:

Linguistic

Spatial

Logical-mathematical

Interpersonal

Correct answer:

Logical-mathematical

Explanation:

Gardner's "logical-mathematical" intelligence, the correct response, refers to the ability to analyze problems, solve mathematical equations, detect patterns, and think logically. Multiple theories of intelligence have been developed within the field of Intelligence Development.  Howard Gardner is one of these theorists. He provides a seven-faceted model of intelligence that includes the types listed in the response choices. "Linguistic" is incorrect as it refers to the individual’s command of language. "Spatial" is incorrect because it refers to the individual’s ability to manipulate and work with physical objects. "Interpersonal" is also incorrect because it captures one’s ability to successfully navigate social interactions and relationships. 

 

Example Question #3 : Intelligence Development

According to Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, there are __________ (how many) cognitive levels? 

Possible Answers:

four

seven

six

five

Correct answer:

six

Explanation:

Bloom's Taxonomy contains six cognitive levels that a student progresses through as intellectual capacities increase. Here, they are listed in ascending order of complexity: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Bloom and his followers posited that by assessing a student's level of intellectual capacity, educators could best meet and test their students' learning development. 

Example Question #1 : Intelligence Development

Psychological researchers have proposed an explanation(s) for the Flynn Effect. Their results point to which of the following?:

Possible Answers:

Improved nutrition

Decreases in infectious diseases

All of these

Increased years of schooling

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

The Flynn Effect can be described as the significant statistical research finding that intelligence, as measured by standardized tests, has increased across time in first world nations. That is, the average scores on intelligence tests have been climbing over the last several decades. For example, where the average score on a standardized intelligence test in the 1950's was 100, examinees today would score on average closer to 105. This has required a restandardization of normative data and has led researchers to investigate the phenomenon. 

 

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