Question 1

Explain the idea of adaptation. Why is adaptation a central concept in the study of human development? How is adaptation woven into the theories of development you have reviewed? Which theory or theories are most useful in thinking about how humans adapt to internal and external fluctuations and preserve their sense of well-being?

Accepted Answer

Adaptation is the process of adjusting to new or changing circumstances in order to survive and thrive. It involves modifying behaviors, thoughts, and emotions in response to internal and external fluctuations. Adaptation is a central concept in the study of human development because it is essential for individuals to navigate the challenges and opportunities they encounter throughout their lives.

Adaptation is woven into the theories of development in various ways. For example, in Piaget's theory of cognitive development, adaptation is a key component of his concept of assimilation and accommodation. Assimilation involves incorporating new information into existing cognitive structures, while accommodation involves modifying those structures to fit new information. This process of adaptation allows individuals to make sense of their experiences and learn from them.

In Erikson's psychosocial theory, adaptation is seen in the concept of ego identity. According to Erikson, individuals must adapt to the challenges of each stage of development in order to form a cohesive sense of self and a positive identity.

In the context of how humans adapt to internal and external fluctuations and preserve their sense of well-being, the theory of resilience is particularly useful. Resilience theory focuses on how individuals can adapt to adversity and maintain a sense of well-being despite facing significant challenges. It emphasizes the importance of protective factors, such as social support and coping strategies, in promoting adaptation and positive outcomes.

Overall, adaptation is a central concept in the study of human development because it is essential for individuals to navigate the complexities of life and achieve positive outcomes. Theories of development, such as those proposed by Piaget, Erikson, and resilience theory, provide valuable insights into how individuals adapt to internal and external fluctuations and preserve their well-being.

Question 2

Some theories focus on micro analysis of moment to moment experiences which gradually accumulate over time to create patterns of expectations, and new thoughts or behaviors. Which of the theories is most like this?

Accepted Answer

A)   social role theory
B)   life course theory
C)   dynamic systems theory
D)   psychoanalytic theory C

Question 3

If one views theories along a continuum from universal processes to attention to specific contexts, which of the theories places the most focus on historical contexts?

Accepted Answer

A)   cognitive developmental theory
B)   psychoanalytic theory
C)   psychosocial theory
D)   life course theory D

Question 4

Some theories incorporate the idea that singular events can occur at any time that can alter the course of development. Which of the theories incorporates this idea?

Accepted Answer

A)   evolutionary theory
B)   life course theory
C)   dynamic systems theory
D)   all of the above

Question 5

Which of the following theories is most likely to account for feelings of affection that Keisha has for her older brother, Deshawn, and jealousy toward her mother?

Accepted Answer

A)   psychoanalytic theory
B)   operant conditioning
C)   cognitive social historical theory
D)   bioecological theory

Question 6

Select three theories that highlight different approaches to thinking about the case of Deshawn and his family. What are some unique contributions of each theory? What issues in the case are not adequately covered by the concepts in these three theories?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Select three theories that highlight different approaches...

Question 7

Which theory most directly accounts for Deshawn's ability to learn new football skills through the observation and imitation of others, including televised models, more advanced players, and coaches?

Accepted Answer

A)   cognitive developmental theory
B)   social learning theory
C)   evolutionary theory
D)   operant conditioning

Question 8

Which theory is most likely to view Deshawn as a developing system that is adapting to internal and external fluctuations by undergoing reorganization toward a new, higher order goal?

Accepted Answer

A)   dynamic systems theory
B)   psychoanalytic theory
C)   social role theory
D)   cognitive behaviorism

Question 9

Among the theories covered in the text, psychosocial theory gives the greatest attention to the theme of ______, reflected in conflicts that Deshawn will face if he decides to leave the football team and redirect his focus to other goals and commitment?

Accepted Answer

A)   unconscious drives
B)   object permanence
C)   historical time
D)   personal identity vs role confusion

Question 10

Each theory proposes a somewhat distinct process to account for stability and change over time. Which theory accounts for adaptation through the processes of assimilation and accommodation as infants and young children actively explore their environments?

Accepted Answer

A)   psychoanalytic theory
B)   cognitive developmental theory
C)   social role theory
D)   life course theory

Question 11

Among the theories covered in the text, which one places the greatest emphasis on the interdependence of elements and the multidimensional sources of influence on individuals?

Accepted Answer

A)   evolutionary theory
B)   cognitive developmental theory
C)   psychosexual theory
D)   dynamic systems theory

Question 12

Think about your own professional practice. Which combination of theories is likely to be most useful to you as you strive to understand and/or change the behavior of others? Explain/defend your answer.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Think about your own professional practice. Which...

Question 13

Which of the theories has most relevance to Clara's concerns about trying to improve her children's chances to find a mate, reproduce, and rear their young? (

Accepted Answer

A)   psychosocial theory
B)   cognitive developmental theory
C)   evolutionary theory
D)   dynamic systems theory

Question 14

Which theory most clearly accounts for differences in the worldview and sense of self that might be associated with each of the main characters in this cas? Clara, Deshawn, and Keisha?

Accepted Answer

A)   evolutionary theory
B)   classical conditioning
C)   psychosocial theory
D)   bioecological theory

Question 15

Of the theories below, which one(s) suggest universal processes that can be expected to operate in the same way regardless of a person's age or historical period?

Accepted Answer

A)   operant conditioning
B)   cognitive developmental theory
C)   life course theory
D)   both A and B

Question 16

Of the theories covered in the text, which of the following give particular attention to the period of infancy?

Accepted Answer

A)   psychoanalytic theory
B)   cognitive developmental theory
C)   life course theory
D)   both A and B

Question 17

What is a contribution of social role theory to our understanding of the case of Deshawn's decision?

Accepted Answer

A)   Deshawn will experience role loss if he decides to leave the football team
B)   Deshawn is striving to balance multiple roles including that of student, athlete, son, and older brother
C)   the football team creates a social identity that is meaningful in the college environment
D)   all of the above

Question 18

Which of the following theories argues for stages of development?

Accepted Answer

A)   classical conditioning
B)   evolutionary theory
C)   psychoanalytic theory
D)   social role theory

Question 19

What is an example of a contribution of cognitive developmental theory to the analysis of the case of Deshawn and his decisions?

Accepted Answer

A)   it suggests that Deshawn is beginning to think in a probabilistic way about his future
B)   it highlights conflicts between Deshawn's drives and his conscience
C)   it illustrates the importance of social roles like student, football player, and older brother in Deshawn's decisions
D)   it focuses on how historical factors might alter Deshawn's views about football

Question 20

Deshawn is a member of a football team, in a particular college, which is funded by the state, and under the umbrella of rules that are established by the NCAA. Which of the theories highlights the idea of nested systems that impact individual behaviors?

Accepted Answer

A)   cognitive behaviorism
B)   social role theory
C)   psychoanalytic theory
D)   bioecological theory

Exam 12: Epilogue