GRE Subject Test: Psychology : Lifespan Development
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Psychology
All GRE Subject Test: Psychology Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #2 : Socialization, Family & Cultural Influences
According to Mary Ainsworth's strange situation task, which of the following infant reactions would be considered a secure attachment?
Mildly distressed upon separation, and show no interest with the mother upon her return
Distressed upon separation and are inclined to resist physical contact with the mother upon her return
Mildly distressed upon separation, but greet the mother positively upon her return
Mildly distressed upon separation, but greet the mother positively upon her return
Example Question #52 : Lifespan Development
The Heinz Dilemma devised by Lawrence Kolberg is aimed at determining which of the following?
Gender development
Cognitive development
Moral development
Psychosocial development
Moral development
Example Question #1 : Socialization, Family & Cultural Influences
In Sternberg's triangular theory of love, what traits lead to companionate love?
Intimacy
Commitment and passion
Passion and intimacy
Intimacy and commitment
Intimacy, commitment and passion
Intimacy and commitment
Companionate love occurs after a long period of partner union. It lacks the passion associated with the first 5-10 years of a relationship, by Sternberg's model. This is the difference between companionate love and consummate love, which includes passion, commitment and intimacy.
Example Question #3 : Socialization, Family & Cultural Influences
Gottman could predict the risk of divorced in couples based upon four interaction patterns he termed the "four horsemen of the apocalypse." Which of the following is not one of Gottman's interaction patterns?
Inconsistent communication
Contempt
Defensiveness
Criticism
Stonewalling
Inconsistent communication
Gottman's four horsemen all have to do with the quality of interactions, not the quantity. Traits like defensiveness and stonewalling act as strategies to create separation, and contempt and criticism in language are attacks on the other partner. While inconsistent communication is certainly not good, it does not fall into Gottman's categorization.
Example Question #4 : Socialization, Family & Cultural Influences
Between what time period is the average infant expected to show stranger anxiety
12-15 months
1-3 months
4-6 months
7-11 months
7-11 months
Stranger anxiety begins around 7 months and lasts until 11 months. Of note, separation anxiety can set in between 12-15 months. At 1-6 months is too young to demonstrate these characteristics, so babies are typically comfortable with strangers during this time.
Example Question #51 : Lifespan Development
At what age does a child develop a sense of self as a male or a female?
2 years
1 year
3 years
4 years
3 years
A child generally develops a sense of self as a male or a female at 3 years. During this time they are also expected to be potty trained (achieve bladder control), ride a tricycle, and use around 900 words. By 4 years, the child will start to engage in play with other children and start role playing (ex. playing house).
All GRE Subject Test: Psychology Resources
