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Growth and Development

Developmental Stages Practice Questions

20 free Developmental Stages practice questions for the NCLEX Exam. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.

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Question 1 of 20 Medium

According to Piaget, which cognitive stage is characterised by children beginning to use logic about concrete events, but cannot yet handle abstract reasoning?

  1. A a. Sensorimotor
  2. B b. Preoperational
  3. C c. Concrete operational
  4. D d. Formal operational

Correct answer: c. Concrete operational

Piaget’s concrete operational stage (approx ages 7–11) involves logical thinking about concrete events, but abstract/hypothetical reasoning is not yet fully developed.

Question 2 of 20 Easy

In Erikson’s psychosocial theory, the crisis of “Identity vs. Role Confusion” typically occurs during what period?

  1. A a. Infancy (0-1 year)
  2. B b. Early childhood (3-5 years)
  3. C c. Adolescence (12-18 years)
  4. D d. Late adulthood (65+ years)

Correct answer: c. Adolescence (12-18 years)

Identity vs. Role Confusion is the fifth of Erikson’s eight stages and generally occurs in adolescence, when individuals explore who they are.

Question 3 of 20 Medium

According to Kohlberg’s theory, a person who reasons based on social contract and universal ethical principles is most likely in which level?

  1. A a. Preconventional
  2. B b. Conventional
  3. C c. Postconventional
  4. D d. None of the above

Correct answer: c. Postconventional

Kohlberg’s post-conventional level includes stages where moral reasoning is based on internalised principles (stage 5 and 6).

Question 4 of 20 Easy

In Erikson’s first stage (Trust vs. Mistrust), what is the primary virtue a child gains if the crisis is resolved successfully?

  1. A a. Will
  2. B b. Hope
  3. C c. Competence
  4. D d. Fidelity

Correct answer: b. Hope

In the Trust vs. Mistrust stage (infancy), if the child develops trust through consistent care, the virtue of hope emerges.

Question 5 of 20 Medium

A 4-year-old child engages in pretend play and uses symbols (such as a broom for a horse), but struggles with logic or taking another's perspective. According to Piaget, this child is most likely in which stage?

  1. A a. Sensorimotor
  2. B b. Preoperational
  3. C c. Concrete operational
  4. D d. Formal operational

Correct answer: b. Preoperational

The preoperational stage (approx ages 2–6) features symbolic thinking and egocentrism; logical operations are not yet developed.

Question 6 of 20 Medium

According to Kohlberg, reasoning such as “I obey the law because it keeps society functioning” reflects which stage of moral development?

  1. A Stage 2: Self-interest orientation
  2. B Stage 3: Interpersonal accord and conformity
  3. C Stage 4: Authority and social-order maintenance
  4. D Stage 5: Social-contract orientation

Correct answer: Stage 4: Authority and social-order maintenance

Stage 4 in Kohlberg’s model is characterised by maintaining law and order for the functioning of society.

Question 7 of 20 Medium

Which stage of Erikson’s theory emphasises generativity (guiding the next generation) rather than stagnation?

  1. A a. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
  2. B b. Industry vs. Inferiority
  3. C c. Generativity vs. Stagnation
  4. D d. Ego Integrity vs. Despair

Correct answer: c. Generativity vs. Stagnation

Generativity vs. Stagnation occurs in middle adulthood, where the individual seeks to contribute meaningfully and guide future generations.

Question 8 of 20 Medium

A child who begins to understand conservation (that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape) is likely in which Piaget stage?

  1. A a. Sensorimotor
  2. B b. Preoperational
  3. C c. Concrete operational
  4. D d. Formal operational

Correct answer: c. Concrete operational

Conservation is typically understood during the concrete operational stage (~7-11 years) when logical thinking about concrete objects develops.

Question 9 of 20 Easy

In Erikson’s stage of Industry vs. Inferiority, the child’s task is primarily to:

  1. A a. Develop trust in caregivers
  2. B b. Achieve competence and productivity in school and social skills
  3. C c. Establish intimate relationships
  4. D d. Reflect on life with wisdom

Correct answer: b. Achieve competence and productivity in school and social skills

Industry vs. Inferiority (approx ages 6-11) focuses on mastering tasks, gaining competence and recognition in skills and schoolwork.

Question 10 of 20 Medium

According to Kohlberg, a 10-year-old child who follows rules to win praise from others is likely reasoning from which stage?

  1. A Stage 1: Obedience and punishment orientation
  2. B Stage 2: Self-interest orientation
  3. C Stage 3: Interpersonal accord and conformity
  4. D Stage 5: Social-contract orientation

Correct answer: Stage 3: Interpersonal accord and conformity

Stage 3 is characterised by behaviours aimed at gaining approval and being seen as a “good person” by others.

Question 11 of 20 Medium

A teenager begins to think hypothetically and argue about ideals and possibilities rather than concrete facts. According to Piaget this indicates progression to which stage?

  1. A a. Sensorimotor
  2. B b. Preoperational
  3. C c. Concrete operational
  4. D d. Formal operational

Correct answer: d. Formal operational

The formal operational stage (beginning in adolescence) involves abstract reasoning, hypothetical thinking and deductive logic.

Question 12 of 20 Easy

Which psychosocial crisis corresponds approximately to early adulthood (age ~18-40) in Erikson’s theory?

  1. A Stage 1: Obedience and punishment orientation
  2. B Stage 2: Self-interest orientation
  3. C Stage 3: Interpersonal accord and conformity
  4. D Stage 4: Authority and social-order maintenance

Correct answer: Stage 1: Obedience and punishment orientation

Intimacy vs. Isolation is the stage of early adulthood where forming close relationships and deep commitments is central.

Question 13 of 20 Medium

According to Kohlberg, moral reasoning focused on “What is best for me” and avoiding punishment is typical of which stage?

  1. A a. Stage 1: Obedience and punishment orientation
  2. B b. Stage 2: Self-interest orientation
  3. C c. Stage 3: Interpersonal accord
  4. D d. Stage 4: Law and order

Correct answer: a. Stage 1: Obedience and punishment orientation

Stage 1 is characterised by obedience to avoid punishment and a focus on direct consequences for the self.

Question 14 of 20 Easy

A preschool‐aged child is being encouraged to dress themselves, use the toilet independently, and explore. According to Erikson, this child is working through which stage of psychosocial development?

  1. A Trust vs. Mistrust
  2. B Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt
  3. C Initiative vs. Guilt
  4. D Industry vs. Inferiority

Correct answer: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt

Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt (≈1-3 years) is about gaining independence and self‐control; successful mastery fosters will.

Question 15 of 20 Medium

Which distinction best characterises Piaget’s preoperational stage?

  1. A Reflexive action and emerging object permanence
  2. B Logical operations applied to concrete objects
  3. C Symbolic thought and egocentrism without conservation
  4. D Abstract, hypothetical and deductive reasoning

Correct answer: Symbolic thought and egocentrism without conservation

The preoperational stage (2-6 years) features symbolic play, egocentrism, and difficulty with tasks like conservation.

Question 16 of 20 Medium

In Kohlberg’s model, reasoning based on upholding laws simply because they are laws is characteristic of:

  1. A a. Stage 2
  2. B b. Stage 3
  3. C c. Stage 4
  4. D d. Stage 6

Correct answer: c. Stage 4

Stage 4 (Authority and social‐order maintaining orientation) emphasises doing one’s duty and respecting laws for societal order.

Question 17 of 20 Medium

A middle‐aged adult asks: “Have I contributed something meaningful?” According to Erikson this reflects the crisis of:

  1. A a. Integrity vs. Despair
  2. B b. Generativity vs. Stagnation
  3. C c. Intimacy vs. Isolation
  4. D d. Trust vs. Mistrust

Correct answer: b. Generativity vs. Stagnation

Generativity vs. Stagnation (adulthood) involves making a contribution to society and next generations; questioning contribution reflects this stage.

Question 18 of 20 Medium

A child who cannot yet reason abstractly but can solve many concrete problems is most likely in which Piaget stage?

  1. A a. Preoperational
  2. B b. Concrete operational
  3. C c. Formal operational
  4. D d. Sensorimotor

Correct answer: b. Concrete operational

Concrete operational stage allows logical operations on concrete objects but not yet abstract reasoning as in formal operational stage.

Question 19 of 20 Medium

According to Erikson, which stage occurs in late adulthood and involves reflecting on one’s life with either a sense of integrity or despair?

  1. A a. Industry vs. Inferiority
  2. B b. Identity vs. Role Confusion
  3. C c. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
  4. D d. Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt

Correct answer: c. Ego Integrity vs. Despair

Ego Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage in Erikson’s model (≈65+ years) where one reflects on life outcomes.

Question 20 of 20 Medium

According to Kohlberg, someone at the “Social Contract” stage may say: “Yes the law is important, but if the law conflicts with basic human rights, then justice takes precedence.” This reflects which stage explicitly?

  1. A a. Stage 3
  2. B b. Stage 4
  3. C c. Stage 5
  4. D d. Stage 6

Correct answer: c. Stage 5

Stage 5 (Social Contract orientation) involves recognising that laws are useful but can be changed in light of greater human values and rights.

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