Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Which is one of the central questions of developmental psychology?

1. Are genetic factors more influential than environmental processes?

2. Is development gradual or punctuated?

3. How many stages are there in human development?

4. Are children more sensitive to language or attachments early in life?

The correct answer is: Is development gradual or punctuated?

The question of whether development is gradual or punctuated is indeed a central focus in developmental psychology. This inquiry pertains to the nature of change and progression throughout the human lifespan. Gradual development suggests a continuous and smooth process of change, where individuals evolve incrementally over time in their capabilities, behaviors, and understanding. In contrast, punctuated development implies that growth occurs in distinct stages or phases, marked by rapid shifts or significant changes at specific points in time. This debate is foundational in understanding how individuals progress from childhood to adulthood and how developmental milestones are achieved. It informs various theories of development, such as those put forth by Jean Piaget, Erik Erikson, and others, who discuss how people transition through specific stages of cognitive and emotional growth. While the other options do pose important inquiries in the field of developmental psychology, they do not encapsulate the overarching foundational question of the nature of development itself as effectively as the distinction between gradual and punctuated change. The inquiry into genetic versus environmental influences, the quantification of stages, and the sensitivity of children to language or attachments are all crucial and nuanced areas of study, but they typically arise within the broader context of understanding whether developmental changes occur steadily or in bursts.