Class XI-Psychology
Chapter -Human Development
Extra Long questions and answers :
1. Define human development and explain its major characteristics.
Answer:
Human development refers to the changes that occur in individuals over their lifespan, from conception to old age. It includes physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth. The major characteristics of human development are:
1. Lifelong Process – Development continues throughout life.
2. Multidimensional – It includes physical, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects.
3. Individual Differences – Each person develops at their own pace.
4. Sequential and Predictable – Development follows a certain order, such as crawling before walking.
5. Nature and Nurture Influence – Both genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) shape development.
6. Plasticity – Development can be modified with learning and experience.
2. Discuss the various stages of human development according to the lifespan approach.
Answer:
The lifespan approach to human development includes several stages:
1. Prenatal Stage (Conception to Birth) – Rapid physical development occurs.
2. Infancy (Birth to 2 years) – Reflexes, motor skills, and basic learning develop.
3. Early Childhood (2–6 years) – Language and social skills emerge.
4. Middle Childhood (6–12 years) – Cognitive abilities and peer interactions improve.
5. Adolescence (12–18 years) – Puberty brings physical and emotional changes.
6. Early Adulthood (18–40 years) – Career, relationships, and independence develop.
7. Middle Adulthood (40–60 years) – Career stability and family responsibilities increase.
8. Late Adulthood (60+ years) – Aging effects become prominent, and cognitive decline may occur.
3. Explain the role of heredity and environment in human development.
Answer:
Heredity and environment interact to shape human development:
· Heredity (Nature) – Refers to genetic factors inherited from parents, such as physical traits, intelligence, and certain personality characteristics.
· Environment (Nurture) – Includes external influences like family, education, culture, and experiences.
Interaction of Both – Development is influenced by both heredity and environment. For example, a child may inherit a talent for music (heredity), but without proper training and exposure (environment), the talent may not develop.
4. What are Piaget’s stages of cognitive development? Explain each stage with examples.
Answer:
Jean Piaget proposed four stages of cognitive development:
1. Sensorimotor Stage (0–2 years) – Infants learn through senses and actions. Example: A baby explores objects by putting them in the mouth.
2. Preoperational Stage (2–7 years) – Symbolic thinking develops, but logical reasoning is absent. Example: A child believes the moon follows them.
3. Concrete Operational Stage (7–11 years) – Logical thinking and understanding of conservation develop. Example: A child understands that 500 ml of water remains the same in different-shaped glasses.
4. Formal Operational Stage (11+ years) – Abstract and hypothetical thinking develops. Example: Teenagers can discuss complex moral issues.
5. Discuss Erik Erikson’s psychosocial stages of development.
Answer:
Erikson proposed eight stages of psychosocial development, each with a conflict that must be resolved:
1. Trust vs. Mistrust (0–1 year) – Infants develop trust if their needs are met.
2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (1–3 years) – Toddlers gain independence or feel ashamed.
3. Initiative vs. Guilt (3–6 years) – Children initiate activities or feel guilty for mistakes.
4. Industry vs. Inferiority (6–12 years) – Children develop competence or feel inferior.
5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (12–18 years) – Adolescents explore their identity or feel confused.
6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (18–40 years) – Young adults form relationships or feel isolated.
7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (40–60 years) – Adults contribute to society or feel unproductive.
8. Integrity vs. Despair (60+ years) – Older adults reflect on their life with satisfaction or regret.
6. What is emotional development? Discuss the role of family in emotional development.
Answer:
Emotional development refers to how individuals recognize, express, and regulate emotions over time. It helps in social interactions and psychological well-being.
Role of Family:
1. Parents teach children how to express emotions appropriately.
2. A supportive family environment helps in emotional stability.
3. Neglect or abuse can lead to emotional problems like anxiety or aggression.
4. Family bonding influences self-esteem and resilience in children.
7. How does social development take place in childhood and adolescence?
Answer:
Social development involves learning to interact with others and adapting to societal norms.
· In Childhood (0–12 years):
1. Infants recognize caregivers and form attachments.
2. Children learn sharing, cooperation, and basic manners.
3. Peer interactions influence social skills and friendships.
· In Adolescence (12–18 years):
1. Peer relationships become more important than family.
2. Identity formation leads to self-discovery.
3. Social roles and responsibilities develop.
4. Pressure to conform to peer groups increases.
8. Explain the impact of puberty on physical, emotional, and social development.
Answer:
Puberty brings significant changes in three areas:
· Physical Development: Growth spurts, hormonal changes, development of secondary sexual characteristics.
· Emotional Development: Mood swings, identity confusion, increased self-consciousness.
· Social Development: Increased peer influence, attraction towards opposite gender, need for independence.
9. What is moral development? Describe Kohlberg’s stages of moral development.
Answer:
Moral development refers to how individuals learn right from wrong and develop ethical behaviour.
Kohlberg’s Stages:
1. Pre-conventional Level:
Stage 1: Obedience and punishment (following rules to avoid punishment).
Stage 2: Self-interest (doing good for personal gain).
2. Conventional Level:
Stage 3: Good boy/girl (seeking approval from others).
Stage 4: Law and order (following societal rules).
3. Post-conventional Level:
Stage 5: Social contract (recognizing laws can change for the greater good).
Stage 6: Universal principles (following moral values even if they conflict with laws).
10. Discuss the challenges faced during adolescence and how they can be managed.
Answer:
Adolescence comes with several challenges:
1. Identity Crisis – Confusion about future and self-image.
2. Peer Pressure – Influence from friends to engage in risky behavior.
3. Emotional Instability – Mood swings due to hormonal changes.
4. Academic Pressure – Stress from studies and career choices.
5. Parent-Child Conflicts – Seeking independence while parents set rules.
Ways to Manage These Challenges:
· Open communication with parents and teachers.
· Developing self-confidence and decision-making skills.
· Managing time and setting realistic goals.
· Seeking help from counsellors when needed.
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~Ridhi Tanaya Sahu
