AP Psychology Practice Test

What does developmental psychology study?

1. Only cognitive change

2. Physical, cognitive, and social change

3. Psychological disorders

4. Personality traits

The correct answer is: Physical, cognitive, and social change

Developmental psychology is a field that investigates the various changes that individuals experience throughout their lifespan. It encompasses a comprehensive approach to understanding how people evolve physically, cognitively, and socially from infancy through old age. This includes examining developmental milestones, the impact of different environments, and the progression of cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, social skills, and identity formation. The focus on physical, cognitive, and social change allows developmental psychologists to explore how these domains interact and influence one another across different stages of life, such as childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and aging. This holistic perspective is essential for gaining insight into how individuals grow and adapt across various contexts and experiences. The other choices reflect more specialized areas of psychology that focus on narrower aspects of human behavior or experience. While cognitive change is a significant part of development, it is only one aspect among many. Similarly, psychological disorders and personality traits do not capture the full spectrum of change that developmental psychology studies; these are areas that may be examined within the broader context of development but are not the primary focus of the field itself.