Adult Development and Aging: A Comprehensive Guide for Psychology MSc Students

Question 1

According to the theory of selective optimization with compensation, individuals prioritize maintaining:

Accepted Answer

Essential functional abilities

Answer

Cognitive skills

Answer

Social relationships

Answer

Emotional stability

Question 2

Which of the following is a recognized cognitive change experienced in later adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Reduced fluid intelligence

Answer

Accelerated processing speed

Answer

Enhanced working memory capacity

Answer

Increased creativity

Question 3

The concept of socioemotional selectivity theory suggests that older adults tend to:

Accepted Answer

Focus on maintaining meaningful and close relationships

Answer

Seek out novel and stimulating social interactions

Answer

Experience increased social isolation and loneliness

Answer

Become more extroverted and outgoing

Question 4

Which of the following is considered a risk factor that can hinder successful aging?

Accepted Answer

Chronic health conditions

Answer

Active and engaged lifestyle

Answer

Strong social support network

Answer

Positive mental outlook

Question 5

The concept of wisdom in the context of aging refers to an individual's ability to:

Accepted Answer

Make well-informed and balanced judgments

Answer

Acquire new knowledge rapidly

Answer

Recall past events with high accuracy

Answer

Solve complex problems efficiently

Question 6

The theory of gerotranscendence suggests that in late life, individuals may experience:

Accepted Answer

A transcendence of worldly concerns

Answer

Increased self-centeredness

Answer

Diminished interest in social connections

Answer

A desire for new and challenging experiences

Question 7

The process of aging involves complex interactions between which three main groups of factors?

Accepted Answer

Biological, psychological, and social factors

Answer

Environmental, genetic, and cultural factors

Answer

Cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors

Answer

Physical, emotional, and spiritual factors

Question 8

According to 'Processing speed theory', cognitive abilities decline with age due to a reduction in the efficiency of which cognitive process?

Accepted Answer

Neural processing

Answer

Fluid intelligence

Answer

Crystallized intelligence

Answer

Triarchic intelligence

Question 9

Which of the following social factors has been found to positively impact the well-being of older adults?

Accepted Answer

Strong social networks

Answer

Lack of meaningful relationships

Answer

Financial insecurity

Answer

Low perceived control

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of a 'selective optimization with compensation' strategy used by older adults?

Accepted Answer

Learning new technology to compensate for memory loss

Answer

Exercising regularly despite physical limitations

Answer

Reducing social activities to avoid social anxiety

Answer

Retiring from work to eliminate stress

Question 11

Which of the following neurobiological changes is associated with cognitive decline in aging?

Accepted Answer

Reduced volume of the hippocampus

Answer

Increased dopamine levels

Answer

Increased activity in the prefrontal cortex

Answer

Increased blood flow to the brain

Question 12

Erikson's theory posits that the primary psychosocial conflict faced by individuals in late adulthood centers on:

Accepted Answer

Integrity versus despair

Answer

Intimacy versus isolation

Answer

Generativity versus stagnation

Answer

Identity versus role confusion

Question 13

Which personality trait is NOT included in the 'Big Five' model?

Accepted Answer

Empathy

Answer

Extroversion

Answer

Neuroticism

Answer

Conscientiousness

Question 14

Which theory suggests that cognitive decline in old age is primarily attributed to reduced processing speed?

Accepted Answer

Processing speed theory

Answer

Disuse theory

Answer

Cognitive dissonance theory

Answer

Selective optimization with compensation theory

Question 15

A common challenge faced by older adults in maintaining social relationships is:

Accepted Answer

Reduced mobility

Answer

Increased social support

Answer

Improved coping mechanisms

Answer

Enhanced communication skills

Question 16

Which of the following is a physical change associated with aging?

Accepted Answer

Decreased muscle mass

Answer

Increased bone density

Answer

Improved cardiovascular health

Answer

Heightened metabolism

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of a significant social change that typically occurs during adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Establishing a family

Answer

Increased muscle mass

Answer

Developing abstract thinking abilities

Answer

Decreased bone density

Question 18

The 'selective optimization with compensation' model of aging suggests that individuals:

Accepted Answer

Maintain existing abilities while selectively compensating for age-related declines

Answer

Remain at the same level of functioning throughout adulthood

Answer

Experience significant declines in all cognitive and physical abilities

Question 19

The concept of gerotranscendence refers to:

Accepted Answer

A transcendence of the self and a focus on spiritual growth in later life

Answer

A decline in cognitive abilities in later life

Answer

An increase in physical health problems in later life

Question 20

Which of the following is a challenge commonly faced by older adults in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

Ageism and discrimination

Answer

Improved work-life balance

Answer

Greater opportunities for career advancement

Answer

Increased job satisfaction

Question 21

According to Role Theory, our behavior in later life is primarily shaped by:

Accepted Answer

Social roles and expectations

Answer

Our past experiences and personality

Answer

Our physical and cognitive health

Answer

Our financial situation

Question 22

Which of the following is a key recommendation for promoting successful aging?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining strong social connections

Answer

Isolating oneself from social interactions

Answer

Focusing solely on physical health

Question 23

In the context of aging, the term 'frailty' refers to:

Accepted Answer

A state of reduced physical and mental reserves, making individuals more vulnerable to stressors

Answer

A specific disease or condition

Answer

A normal part of the aging process