Psychology of Decision Making

Questions and Answers

What type of thought process is a child likely to demonstrate after changes occur in their proximal processes?

Abstract thought

Formal operational thought

Preoperational thought

Concrete operational thought (correct)

What individual quality can influence how others react to a child?

Emotional intelligence

Behavioral tendencies

Cognitive abilities

Demand characteristics (correct)

What is an example of a bidirectional causal relationship in development?

A child's concrete operational thought influences the tasks they are given at home and school (correct)

A child's athletic ability affects their self-esteem

A child's social skills affect their emotional well-being

A child's cognitive ability affects their academic performance

According to Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theory, what occurs at the interface between the child and their microsystems?

Proximal processes Signup and view all the answers

What type of changes in development are described as stagelike and qualitative?

Shifts in cognitive development Signup and view all the answers

What can influence the kinds of reactions a child receives from others?

Demand characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What can occur as a result of the boy's success in wrestling among his male friends?

A rise in his social status and social dominance Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of multidimensional models of development?

They recognize the interplay between biological and environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a continuous, incremental variation mentioned in the text?

Learning and then forgetting new information Signup and view all the answers

Who plays a significant role in their own change and development?

The individual, as well as their family, community, and culture Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of bidirectional causality mentioned in the text?

The reciprocal influence between the boy's success in wrestling and his testosterone levels Signup and view all the answers

What is a metaphor used in the text to describe multidimensional theories of development?

A vine growing through a thick forest Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the development of a vine in a forest?

It is influenced by both the vine's inner processes and the forest environment Signup and view all the answers

What is a common thread among multidimensional theories of development?

They share similar fundamental assumptions and characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Which theory is concerned with the dynamic interaction between individuals and their environment?

Bioecological theory Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a distal process that may influence a child's development?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a key concept in dialectical theory?

The dynamic interaction between opposites Signup and view all the answers

Which theory is concerned with the interaction between biological, social, and ecological factors in development?

Bio-social-ecological theory Signup and view all the answers

What is a key concept in life span developmental theory?

The focus on development across the entire life span Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of bidirectional causality in development?

A child's behavior influences their environment, which in turn influences their behavior Signup and view all the answers

A child who is shy and inhibited may often elicit more attention from others than a child who is open and outgoing.

False Signup and view all the answers

Changes in an individual can only be emergent, stagelike, and qualitative.

False Signup and view all the answers

Bidirectional causality means that the environment influences the individual, but not the reverse.

False Signup and view all the answers

Demand characteristics are a type of cognitive ability that influences how individuals process information.

False Signup and view all the answers

A man interested in gambling may display complex reasoning in all contexts, not just when thinking about horses.

False Signup and view all the answers

Proximal processes are influenced by both internal and external factors.

True Signup and view all the answers

Intelligence is primarily influenced by environmental factors.

False Signup and view all the answers

Personality is largely shaped by experiences in the first three years of life.

False Signup and view all the answers

People's personalities tend to change significantly over their lifetimes.

False Signup and view all the answers

Human development follows a fixed, universal sequence of stages.

True Signup and view all the answers

Bidirectional causality refers to the one-way influence of environment on individual development.

False Signup and view all the answers

Individual differences in temperament play a significant role in shaping social development.

True Signup and view all the answers

Believing in fixed intelligence can encourage a skill-building approach to learning.

False Signup and view all the answers

Reflective practice can be impaired if we are not busy and have ample time to think.

False Signup and view all the answers

Self-monitoring involves adopting a single, absolute theoretical lens.

False Signup and view all the answers

Physical characteristics such as eye color, height, and weight are primarily influenced by environmental factors.

False Signup and view all the answers

Helping professionals' implicit theoretical lens can have no impact on their clients.

False Signup and view all the answers

People are generally willing to give up their personal theories when presented with evidence that these theories are incorrect.

False Signup and view all the answers

Bidirectional causality implies that one factor causes another, but not vice versa.

False Signup and view all the answers

Implicit beliefs about development have no impact on one's approach to helping others.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of studying developmental science for helping professionals?

It increases the range of problem-solving strategies that can be offered to clients. Signup and view all the answers

What has been a consequence of overreliance on traditional experimental methodologies in developmental research?

Researchers have neglected important issues that cannot be studied using rigorous methods. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key concept in understanding human development from a bidirectional perspective?

The environment and individual mutually influence each other. Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration in understanding individual differences in development?

Individual differences in temperament play a significant role in shaping social development. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of not considering bidirectional causality in development?

It implies that one factor causes another, but not vice versa. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of development is MOST directly influenced by proximal processes?

Cognitive development Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of reflective practice in helping professionals?

It increases the range of problem-solving strategies that can be offered to clients. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of bidirectional causality in emotional development?

A child's shyness leading to more attention from others Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle of individual differences in development?

Temperament plays a significant role in shaping social development Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a mesosystem influence?

A parent's interaction with a teacher Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of multidimensional models of development?

They integrate multiple levels of influence Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a distal process that may influence a child's cognitive development?

A cultural value emphasizing education Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of classic stage theories in developmental science?

Stagelike and qualitative changes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary influence on an individual's mental health, according to some researchers?

Parent's socialization practices Signup and view all the answers

What type of causality is implied when an individual's behavior influences their environment, and vice versa?

Bidirectional causality Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of individual differences in development?

Temperament Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of developmental scientists' research?

Understanding developmental assumptions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following theories emphasizes the dynamic interaction between individuals and their environment?

Bioecological theory Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of proximal processes in development?

Mediating the interaction between individual and environment Signup and view all the answers

What is a common thread among multidimensional theories of development?

Recognition of multiple factors influencing development Signup and view all the answers

The gap between science and practice is unique to the mental health professions.

False Signup and view all the answers

A comprehensive academic grounding in scientific developmental knowledge is not necessary for helping professionals.

False Signup and view all the answers

Reflective practice can help increase the range of problem-solving strategies that helping professionals can offer.

True Signup and view all the answers

Developmental science has no relevance to real-world concerns.

False Signup and view all the answers

Studying developmental science can facilitate personal growth by providing a foundation for reflecting on one's own life.

True Signup and view all the answers

Bidirectional causality implies that individual development influences the environment, but not vice versa.

False Signup and view all the answers

Cultural context has a profound impact on the psychological development of an individual.

True Signup and view all the answers

Parents' socialization practices have no influence on their children's mental health.

False Signup and view all the answers

Common sense is a superior guide to child rearing compared to scientific knowledge.

False Signup and view all the answers

Individual differences in temperament have no role in shaping social development.

False Signup and view all the answers

Bidirectional causality implies that the environment has a one-way influence on individual development.

False Signup and view all the answers

Reflective practice can only be impaired when helping professionals are busy and have little time to think.

False Signup and view all the answers

Helping professionals' implicit theoretical lens has no impact on their approach to helping clients.

False Signup and view all the answers

People's personalities tend to remain stable and unchanged throughout their lifetimes.

False Signup and view all the answers

Intelligence is primarily influenced by genetic factors.

True Signup and view all the answers

Bidirectional causality implies that individual differences in temperament have no impact on social development.

False Signup and view all the answers

Proximal processes only influence cognitive development, not emotional development.

False Signup and view all the answers

Reflective practice can be impaired if one is too busy and has limited time to think.

True Signup and view all the answers

Implicit beliefs about development have a significant impact on one's approach to helping others.

True Signup and view all the answers

Individual differences in development are primarily influenced by environmental factors.

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Development and Reasoning

A person's reasoning abilities can be context-dependent, e.g., a gambler may exhibit complex reasoning about horses' winning probabilities, but not in other areas (Ceci & Liker, 1986)

Individual Qualities and Demand Characteristics

Demand characteristics refer to behavioral tendencies that influence others' reactions to an individual
Shyness and inhibition in children can lead to reduced attention and support from others (Bell & Chapman, 1986; Kagan & Fox, 2006)

Changes in Human Development

Changes can be emergent (stagelike) or continuous (graded), influenced by internal and external factors
Proximal processes (immediate interactions) and distal causes (internal and external factors) contribute to development
Changes can be bidirectional, with the individual influencing their environment and vice versa

Multidimensional Models of Development

These models acknowledge various types of change, including qualitative, transforming, and incremental changes
Examples of multidimensional models include transactional theory, relational theory, dialectical theory, bioecological theory, and more
These models recognize the interplay between internal and external factors, as well as the individual's role in shaping their own development

Bioecological Theory and Development

Bioecological theory illustrates the multiple, interacting forces influencing development, including proximal processes and distal causes (Bronfenbrenner & Ceci, 1994)
Figure 1.2 shows a multidimensional model of development, highlighting bidirectional causality between different levels and parts of the system

Human Development and Reasoning

A person's reasoning abilities can be complex in specific contexts, such as horse racing, but may not be displayed in other situations.
Demand characteristics, like shyness or inhibition, can influence how others react to an individual.

Individual Qualities and Development

Biological roots can contribute to traits like shyness and inhibition, which can affect how others interact with the individual.
Changes in an organism can be emergent, stagelike, and qualitative (e.g., from preoperational to concrete operational thought) or continuous and graded (e.g., shifts in academic interest or athletic involvement).

Proximal Processes and Development

Proximal processes, influenced by internal and external causes, lead to changes in the individual.
Once changes occur, the individual brings new resources to these proximal processes, leading to further learning and development.

Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological Theory

The theory proposes a multidimensional model of development, featuring external influences, internal influences, and bidirectional causality between levels.
Proximal processes occur at the interface between the child and their microsystems.

Beliefs About Development

Beliefs about development can influence how professionals approach clients, with implications for their clients' outcomes.
Implicit theories can shape one's worldview, and critical thinking can be impaired by personal biases and busyness.
Self-monitoring is essential to recognize and challenge one's personal theories.

Importance of Developmental Science

Developmental science provides knowledge about age-related behaviors and causal theories to understand these behaviors.
It helps in understanding client concerns rooted in shared human experience.
Studying developmental science increases problem-solving strategies for practitioners.
It facilitates personal growth by providing a foundation for reflecting on one's own life.

Role of Developmental Science in Problem-Solving

Developmental science research and theory play a crucial role in the problem-solving processes of reflective practitioners.
There has been an uneasy alliance between practitioners and behavioral scientists in the past.

Gap Between Science and Practice

Overreliance on traditional experimental methodologies led to researchers neglecting important issues that could not be studied using these methods.
Clinicians perceived behavioral science literature as irrelevant to real-world concerns.
The gap between science and practice is not unique to the mental health professions.

Organizing Themes in Development

Macrosystem: Social, cultural, and economic norms, values, and systems.
Exosystem: Wider community members and organizations.
Mesosystem: Relationships among microsystem influences.
Microsystem: Direct interactors with the child.

Bioecological Model

Conscious Experience: Self-awareness, attentional focus.
Cognition, Motivation, Emotion: Knowledge, memory, language, needs, desires.
Bodily Networks: Nervous system, cardiovascular system.
Cellular Processes: Protein production.
Genetic Processes: Gene activation, gene suppression.

Proximal Processes

Change in the child fosters change in the environment, leading to more change in the child, and so on.

Parental Socialization

Parents' socialization practices are the primary determiners of their children's mental health.

Cultural Context

The cultural context in which the individual lives profoundly affects the psychological development of that person.

Common Sense vs. Scientific Knowledge

Common sense is not a better guide to child rearing than scientific knowledge.

Historical Perspective on Developmental Theories

Classic stage theories and incremental theories are two types of classic theoretical approaches in developmental science.
Developmental scientists bring theoretical assumptions that help structure their understanding of known facts and guide their research.

Importance of Developmental Science

Developmental science provides knowledge about age-related behaviors and causal theories to understand these behaviors.
It helps in understanding client concerns rooted in shared human experience.
Studying developmental science increases problem-solving strategies for practitioners.
It facilitates personal growth by providing a foundation for reflecting on one's own life.

Role of Developmental Science in Problem-Solving

Developmental science research and theory play a crucial role in the problem-solving processes of reflective practitioners.
There has been an uneasy alliance between practitioners and behavioral scientists in the past.

Gap Between Science and Practice

Overreliance on traditional experimental methodologies led to researchers neglecting important issues that could not be studied using these methods.
Clinicians perceived behavioral science literature as irrelevant to real-world concerns.
The gap between science and practice is not unique to the mental health professions.

Organizing Themes in Development

Macrosystem: Social, cultural, and economic norms, values, and systems.
Exosystem: Wider community members and organizations.
Mesosystem: Relationships among microsystem influences.
Microsystem: Direct interactors with the child.

Bioecological Model

Conscious Experience: Self-awareness, attentional focus.
Cognition, Motivation, Emotion: Knowledge, memory, language, needs, desires.
Bodily Networks: Nervous system, cardiovascular system.
Cellular Processes: Protein production.
Genetic Processes: Gene activation, gene suppression.

Proximal Processes

Change in the child fosters change in the environment, leading to more change in the child, and so on.

Parental Socialization

Parents' socialization practices are the primary determiners of their children's mental health.

Cultural Context

The cultural context in which the individual lives profoundly affects the psychological development of that person.

Common Sense vs. Scientific Knowledge

Common sense is not a better guide to child rearing than scientific knowledge.

Historical Perspective on Developmental Theories

Classic stage theories and incremental theories are two types of classic theoretical approaches in developmental science.
Developmental scientists bring theoretical assumptions that help structure their understanding of known facts and guide their research.

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Description

This quiz explores how individuals make decisions and reason in complex ways, including the influence of personal traits and biological factors. It also touches on how demand characteristics can affect our reactions to others.