Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

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What term refers to the change in behavior or thought in response to experiences over time?

Growth
Development
Adaptation
Learning

The correct answer is: Development

The term that best describes the change in behavior or thought in response to experiences over time is development. Development encompasses the broad spectrum of changes that occur throughout an individual’s life, influenced by various factors such as experiences, maturation, and environment. It captures not just alterations in behavior, but also cognitive and emotional changes that take place as individuals interact with the world around them. While learning is often linked to specific experiences and the acquisition of new skills or knowledge, it usually refers to a more immediate change in behavior due to experience, whereas development emphasizes the ongoing, systematic changes that happen throughout the lifespan. Growth typically refers to physical changes or increases in size or quantity, and adaptation refers to the process of adjusting to new conditions, which may not necessarily imply a long-term change in behavior or thought processes. Thus, development is the most appropriate term for the overarching changes experienced over time in behavior and thought.