MC: Theoretical Frameworks and Developmental Tensions (

Question 1

Which theoretical framework proposed by David Moshman emphasizes that individuals are active agents who construct their own knowledge through reflection and the coordination of their actions?

A) Nativism

B) Empiricism

C) Interactionism

D) Rational Constructivism

Answer 1

D) Rational Constructivism

This framework goes a “step beyond” interactionism by asserting that development is a self-regulated process that cannot be reduced solely to genes or environment.

Question 2

The tension regarding whether development is primarily influenced by biological inheritance or environmental experiences is known as:

A) Continuity-discontinuity

B) Nature-nurture

C) Early-later experience

D) Rationality-metarationality

Answer 2

B) Nature-nurture

The “nature” approach emphasizes evolutionary and genetic processes, while the “nurture” approach emphasizes environmental experiences.

Question 3

In the context of developmental change, how is “qualitative change” defined?

A) A gradual, cumulative increase in the number of things known.

B) A transformation in the underlying structure of reasoning, making the individual a “different sort of organism.”

C) A cyclical process that is easily reversible.

D) A change caused solely by external environmental forces.

Answer 3

B) A transformation in the underlying structure of reasoning, making the individual a “different sort of organism.”

Qualitative change is associated with discontinuity and distinct stages of development, such as the transition to formal operations in adolescence.

Question 4

Which group of developmentalists is most likely to describe development as a gradual, continuous process?

A) Those who emphasize nature.

B) Those who emphasize nurture and environmental experience.

C) Rational Constructivists.

D) Nativists.

Answer 4

B) Those who emphasize nurture and environmental experience.

For the most part, those emphasizing experience and nurture view development as a gradual, cumulative change (continuity)

Question 5

Moshman views the transition to adolescence as “discontinuous” because adolescents develop the capacity for __________, which allows them to treat reality as a subset of possibilities.

A) Concrete operations

B) Formal operations

C) Epistemic cognition

D) Sensation-seeking

Answer 5

B) Formal operations

Formal operations represent a qualitative shift that allows for hypothetico-deductive reasoning, making adolescents categorically distinct from children.

Question 6

Which statement best describes the “early-experience” side of the developmental tension?

A) Life is an “unbroken trail” on which psychological qualities can be traced back to their origins in childhood.

B) Adolescents remain completely malleable and are not affected by childhood events.

C) Development ends once an individual reaches the age of 13.

D) Only biological factors determine personality outcomes

Answer 6

A) Life is an “unbroken trail” on which psychological qualities can be traced back to their origins in childhood.

This view rests on the belief that early childhood experiences are the key determinants of development.

Question 7

How did Erik Erikson’s view of development differ from Sigmund Freud’s regarding the early-later experience tension?

A) Erikson believed personality was entirely formed by age five.

B) Erikson focused only on biological and sexual mechanisms.

C) Erikson argued that development is a lifelong process consisting of eight psychosocial stages.

D) Erikson believed the “Id” was the conscious coordinator of personality.

Answer 7

C) Erikson argued that development is a lifelong process consisting of eight psychosocial stages.

Unlike Freud’s focus on early childhood, Erikson emphasized that development continues across the entire life span

Question 8

Adolescence is described in the sources as a “sensitive period” for which type of development?

A) Biological puberty only

B) Identity development

C) Motor skills

D) Sensory perception

Answer 8

B) Identity development

While identity formation is lifelong, adolescence is a critical window where individuals strive for uniqueness and solidarity with group ideals.