Psychology: Developmental Psychology: Stages of Life Worksheet

Question 1

List the major stages of life in order from before birth to late adulthood. Include at least six stages.

Accepted Answer

A common order is prenatal development, infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, emerging adulthood or young adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood.

Question 2

Explain how developmental psychology differs from general psychology.

Accepted Answer

Developmental psychology focuses on how people change and stay the same across the lifespan, while general psychology studies behavior and mental processes more broadly.

Question 3

A researcher studies how nutrition during pregnancy may affect later learning. Which stage of development is the researcher focusing on, and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

The researcher is focusing on the prenatal stage. It is important because brain and body systems begin developing before birth, and environmental factors can influence later growth.

Question 4

Describe one major physical change and one major cognitive change that usually occur during infancy.

Accepted Answer

A major physical change during infancy is rapid growth in height, weight, and motor skills. A major cognitive change is learning through the senses and beginning to recognize people, objects, and patterns.

Question 5

Piaget described young children as moving through stages of cognitive development. What is one key feature of the preoperational stage?

Accepted Answer

One key feature of the preoperational stage is symbolic thinking, such as using words, drawings, or pretend play to represent objects and ideas. Children in this stage may also show egocentrism.

Question 6

A 5-year-old covers her own eyes and says, "You cannot see me." Which developmental concept does this example best show?

Accepted Answer

This example shows egocentrism because the child has difficulty understanding that another person can have a different point of view.

Question 7

Erikson proposed psychosocial stages across the lifespan. What is the main conflict of adolescence in Erikson's theory?

Accepted Answer

The main conflict of adolescence in Erikson's theory is identity versus role confusion. Teenagers work on developing a sense of who they are and what values, goals, and roles fit them.

Question 8

Compare secure attachment with insecure attachment in infancy.

Accepted Answer

Secure attachment means an infant uses a caregiver as a safe base and is usually comforted by that caregiver. Insecure attachment can involve avoidance, anxiety, or inconsistent responses when the caregiver leaves or returns.

Question 9

Explain how puberty connects physical development with social and emotional development.

Accepted Answer

Puberty involves physical changes such as growth spurts and sexual maturation, but it can also affect self-image, peer relationships, mood, and independence. These changes can shape how adolescents see themselves and relate to others.

Question 10

A high school student says, "My friends' opinions matter more to me than they used to." Explain why peer relationships often become more important during adolescence.

Accepted Answer

Peer relationships often become more important during adolescence because teenagers are developing identity, independence, and social belonging. Friends can influence values, interests, choices, and emotional support.

Question 11

Distinguish between nature and nurture using one example from human development.

Accepted Answer

Nature refers to biological influences such as genes, while nurture refers to environmental influences such as family, education, and culture. For example, a child's height is influenced by genetics, but nutrition and health also affect growth.

Question 12

What is emerging adulthood, and why do some psychologists describe it as a separate stage?

Accepted Answer

Emerging adulthood is the period from the late teens through the twenties when many people explore education, work, relationships, and identity before taking on long-term adult roles. Some psychologists describe it as separate because modern life often includes a longer transition into full independence.

Question 13

Give one example of cognitive development that can continue into adulthood.

Accepted Answer

One example is the growth of practical problem-solving skills. Adults may become better at using experience, judgment, and knowledge to handle complex real-life situations.

Question 14

Compare a cross-sectional study with a longitudinal study in developmental psychology.

Accepted Answer

A cross-sectional study compares people of different ages at one point in time. A longitudinal study follows the same people over time to observe how they change.

Question 15

A 70-year-old learns a new language app, volunteers weekly, and maintains close friendships. What does this example suggest about development in late adulthood?

Accepted Answer

This example suggests that development continues in late adulthood. Older adults can keep learning, contribute to their communities, maintain social connections, and show resilience and growth.

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Psychology: Developmental Psychology: Stages of Life

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