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PSYC 140 MODULE 1 EXAM COMPLETE STUDY
GUIDE 2026
◉ Module question: What did this Module say about differences in sexual behavior between married and unmarried couples? Answer: Married couples report having more sex than unmarried individuals. ◉ Module question: How would you summarize the information on the likelihood of couples divorcing? Were you surprised by any of the information regarding divorce statistics? Why or why not? Answer: Your answer should include the following: a discussion of how the "50%" figure is not a literal number but is rather a projection of the likelihood of couples to divorce at the present time. This rate might be much higher or much lower for any particular couple. If you reverse the trends discussed in this module, you can see that the odds for a particular couple to get a divorce are higher if: money is tight, if the couple have a child before marrying, if at least one partner was a child of a divorce, if neither partner is religious, and if one partner never attended college. ◉ Module question: How would you summarize postformal thought? How does postformal thought differ from Piaget's formal operations? Answer: Although different theories describe this stage (and although there is controversy over whether adults actually reach this stage!), it generally consists of being able to reflect and
make more complex judgments, and seeing multiple perspectives and points of view. Although people in formal operations demonstrate abstract thinking, postformal thought shows more flexibility and humility as people see multiple perspectives. ◉ Module question: Can you see examples of postformal thinking in your own life or in the lives of others you know? How would you classify that example using Perry's stages? Answer: [Note]Answers will vary, but should identify one of Perry's 3 stages (dualistic, multiple thinking, commitment within relativism). An example of postformal thinking in my life might be how I approach political debates. In my younger years, I may have thought in more dualistic terms—believing my viewpoint was "right" and the opposing side was "wrong." Over time, I've come to recognize that many issues have multiple valid perspectives and that understanding different viewpoints requires considering the complexities and nuances behind them. For instance, when discussing healthcare policy, I can see valid concerns on both sides of the debate, such as the need for universal healthcare and the challenges of its funding. This shift from black-and-white thinking to appreciating multiple perspectives aligns with Perry's multiple thinking stage. Additionally, after reflecting on the different viewpoints, I've made an informed decision about what I believe should be prioritized in policy, which aligns with commitment within relativism, recognizing the validity of other perspectives but making a commitment to my own beliefs based on the information and arguments I find most compelling.
◉ Module question: Why don't all women experience symptoms of menopause? Answer: A woman's experience of menopause depends on a variety of factors, including race and culture. ◉ Module question: What are the pros and cons of hormone therapy? Answer: Pros: Most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, protect against osteoporosis. Cons: Increased risk of certain cancers—breast, uterine, heart attack, stroke in some women. ◉ Module question: What cognitive improvements can be observed in middle age, according to the Seattle Longitudinal Study? Answer: Verbal abilities/increased vocabulary, spatial reasoning, simple math/problem solving, abstract reasoning. ◉ Module question: Given what you learned in this module, how would you respond to the claim, "everyone goes through a mid-life crisis"? Answer: Suggested response: It is actually untrue that all middle aged adults experience a mid-life crisis. On the contrary, very few adults do, and those who do tend to be men who feel that they were prevented in some way from achieving some major life goal. It is a far more typical experience for a middle aged adult to experience a time of transition as they take stock of where they are in life, where they've been, and where they'd like to be. ◉ Module question: Reflection questions: What are your thoughts about whether most emerging adults are successfully launched?
Also, do you know of any adult who epitomizes the "sandwich generation"? If so, what roles and responsibilities does this individual have? Does he/she show signs of caregiver strain? Answer: Most emerging adults today experience a more gradual process of "launching," where they may come and go from the family home multiple times rather than leaving all at once. This extended transition is influenced by societal changes like longer education and financial pressures, which create emotional and financial strain for middle-aged parents who continue to support their adult children. While this fluid launching process can delay full independence, it also allows emerging adults more time to develop on their own terms. Regarding the "sandwich generation," I know adults who care for both aging parents and adult children, often experiencing caregiver strain from the emotional and physical demands of managing both roles. One example is a friend who supports her elderly mother and provides financial and emotional help to her adult children, resulting in stress and occasional burnout, though she benefits from a caregiver support group. The "sandwich generation" role is challenging, balancing the needs of both younger and older generations while also maintaining personal well-being. ◉ Which of Sternberg's types of love includes only passion? A. fatuous love B. infatuation C. romantic love D. consummate love Answer: B. infatuation
◉ T/F: According to the National Survey of sexual health and behavior, 50% of male 17 year olds report being sexually active Answer: False ◉ For the following couples, identify which of the following types of love best describes the relationship: Bill and Mary have been married for 30 years and are comfortable with each other. they rarely go on romantic outings and rarely have sex. However, they enjoy simply spending time together A. consummate love B. fatuous love C. liking D. romantic E. companionate Answer: E. companionate ◉ T/F: Hot flashes during the climacteric period are inevitable for all women Answer: False ◉ Hormone replacement therapy to treat menopausal symptoms involves receiving daily doses of estrogen and _____ Answer: progesterone
◉ T/F: For most people, particularly if physical fitness is not maintained, a number of physical declines begin as early adulthood Answer: True ◉ Short essay questions should be answered in complete sentences. Describe William Perry's three stages of postformal thought. Be specific. Answer: [TEACHERS NOTE] Moves from dualistic thinking—black and white, to Multiple Thinking—different viewpoints, but hard to reconcile, to Commitment within Relativism—multiple viewpoints, but can commit to one's own. Perry conducted a research on college students and states that they move from dualistic thinking to multiple thinking to commitment within relativism. Dualistic thinking is more of what is right vs. wrong/ black and white argument. Multiple thinking is growing to have an understanding that there are different viewpoints to consider but it's hard to reconcile the various perspectives. Commitment within relativism is saying that there are multiple viewpoints but that person can reflect and decide on what they believe and weigh on within those multiple viewpoints they've obtained. Moves from dualistic thinking—black and white, to Multiple Thinking—different viewpoints, but hard to reconcile, to Commitment within Relativism—multiple viewpoints, but can commit to one's own
A sandwich generation is when a middle-aged adult has to take care of their parents and children. They feel the need or maybe the responsibility falls on them that they must take care of their older family while still taking care of their own. Middle aged adults literally in between caring for children and elderly parents. Carrying responsibilities for both of the other age groups. ◉ Answer the following essay question. Essays should be written clear, full sentences. You have a friend who is very pessimistic about the state of marriage in society. He supports his view by saying that "50% of marriages end in divorce." Based on your understanding of how to correctly interpret statistics predicting the likelihood of divorce, how could you update his interpretation? In your answer to your friend, be sure a) to correctly interpret the "50%" figure and explain in detail multiple factors affect the likelihood of divorce.Then, describe in detail your own response to the information that you learned about the divorce rate. Did this information surprise you? Why or why not? Answer: [TEACHERS NOTE] (4 pts) for correct interpretation of the statistics: - it is a projection that does not necessarily reflect actual behavior, - based on a projection from the 1970s, - divorce rates have decreased since then, other factors affect the rate. (3 pts) for factors: annual income over 50k, waiting to have a baby, not having divorced parents, being religious, education. (3 pts) for well-supported and detailed response.
I would explain to my friend that the statement "50% of all marriages end in divorce" is misleading and stems from a 1970s prediction, which has since been misinterpreted. In reality, divorce rates have been steadily declining. This is due to factors like people focusing on their careers and education before marriage, delaying marriage until later in life, and choosing not to marry at all. Additionally, growing up in a stable, two-parent household can lower the chances of divorce, as can factors such as having children 7 months after marriage, being religious, and obtaining a college education. These trends reflect a shift toward more mature, informed marriages. While these factors can help reduce the risk of divorce, they are not guarantees. Social media and technology have also contributed to divorces by increasing opportunities for deceit, and communication remains a crucial factor in marriage. This information does not surprise me. My parents have been together for almost 35 years and have all of the above incorporated into their marriage. They make well above $50k, both have college degrees, practice religion and didn't have children until they had been married for two years. ◉ True or false? The overall divorce rate today is higher than it was in the United States in the 1970s. Answer: False ◉ True or false? One's level of education has nothing to do with one's likelihood of divorce? Answer: False
B. less likely C. about as likely Answer: B. less likely ◉ Which of the following age ranges most accurately reflects when one's physical peak is? Answer: 20- 35 ◉ True or false? Experts recommend that women who started menopause after age 45 and who aren't bothered by menopausal symptoms should not begin hormone replacement therapy. Answer: True ◉ Short essay questions should be answered in complete sentences. Much variety exists in women's menopausal symptoms. Describe two of the cross-cultural cross-racial differences in menopausal symptoms that you learned about during this module. Be specific. Answer: [TEACHERS NOTE] 4 points for describing 2 differences: different definitions for and meaning behind menopause—more positive in Japanese, different symptoms noticed among different races (Caucasian: Muscle aches, irritability, insomnia; AfricanAmerican: hot flashes, night sweats, more positive; Chinese/Japanese: fewer night sweats and hot flashes, less positive; Japanese/Nigerian: frozen shoulders; rural Mayan and other indigenous cultures: more positive, as women assume role of spiritual leader; timing differs (earliest for Latin American and African American, then Caucasian, then Asian-American
Menopause, typically occurring between ages 45-55 or after 12 months without a period, marks the end of menstruation. The transition from premenopausal to postmenopausal can take up to 10 years, with the perimenopausal phase leading up to it. Menopausal symptoms vary greatly among women, influenced by factors like race and ethnicity. Black, Native American, and Latina women tend to experience earlier menopause and more severe symptoms, including more hot flashes and night sweats, which last longer than in white women. Black women often have heavier periods, while Latina women report more intense hot flashes and sleep issues. White women commonly experience muscle aches and insomnia, and Chinese and Japanese women generally have fewer night sweats compared to Latina women. Menopause tends to occur earlier in Latina and Black women than in white and Asian women. One of the cross-cultural-racial differences in menopausal symptoms that I learned about was that Chinese and Japanese women experience fewer night sweats and hot flashes compared to women of other cultures, while Caucasian women report more muscle aches and sleep difficulties. ◉ Choose one of Sternberg's types of love (for example, Infatuation) and describe a couple that exemplifies this type of love. Be sure to name the type of love that you are depicting and be very specific in explaining how the couple displays the various components. Answer: Gina and Joe are in a new relationship and can't seem to stay away from each other. They spend lots of time together and tend to engage in sexual activity frequently. When they are not with
time is linked to rising rates of depression and suicide among teens, as studies show more screen time correlates with higher depressive symptoms. Social media plays a major role in these issues, promoting comparison and online bullying. iGen's increased dependence on phones also leads to less independence and delayed milestones, such as getting a driver's license or finishing college. Despite being home more, they often remain disengaged from family, distracted by their phones. While phones aren't the sole cause, they hinder face-to-face socialization, which is vital for mental well-being. To combat this, parents are encouraged to engage kids in phone-free activities, like family dinners or outdoor outings, to foster real-world connections and improve mental health. Establishing screen time boundaries early can also help, though it may not work for every child. ◉ Short essay questions should be answered in complete sentences. Describe a profile of someone who, based on statistics, would have a divorce rate well below the 40-50% range Answer: [TEACHERS NOTE] Answers should include some of the following features: annual income over 50k, waiting to have a baby, not having divorced parents, being religious, education. 2 pts. Then, 2 pts for a detailed profile. Ideally for someone who would have a divorce rate below the 40- 50% range would come from non-divorced parents. Typically they would have an education, make a decent steady income, sometimes being religious, and strive to have kids at least 6 months after
marriage. There is plenty of intimacy and communication in their every day lives with their partners. annual income over 50k, waiting to have a baby, not having divorced parents, being religious, education ◉ Which of Sternberg's types of love only includes intimacy? Answer: Liking ◉ For the following couples, identify which of the following types of love best describes their relationship: Halley and Matthew are about to celebrate their 6-month anniversary. They have an elaborate celebration planned, since this anniversary coincides with Valentine's Day. They both have a strong connection to one another, but have not communicated any long- term plans to one another. A. consummate love B. fatuous C. liking D. romantic E. companionate Answer: D. Romantic ◉ Which of the following types of love is based on only one love component? Answer: Infatuation
◉ ____________ is the term for the end of menstruation and reproductive capacity. Answer: Menopause ◉ True or false? Middle adulthood is roughly between the ages of 40 - 60. Answer: True ◉ For which of the following sports would the physical peak typically come earlier: tennis, golfing, or baseball? Answer: Tennis ◉ Short essay questions should be answered in complete sentences. Describe two types of physical declines that can occur as early as early adulthood, as learned in the module. Answer: [TEACHERS NOTE] Answers need to describe at least two of the following: maximum heart rate decreases, respiratory capacity decreases— especially when other high exertion, lens of eye stiffens and thickens, sound sensitivity to high frequencies decreases, fast twitch muscles decrease in size and amount. Coming of this age, adults have to not only learn but also accept that their body cannot do the same physical activities that they once could. There are ways around this by keeping active and healthy but as you age, your body ages too and that is inevitable. Physical declines in early adulthood can have a decrease in maximum heart rates, respiratory capacity gradually decreases, have a higher sensitivity to sound, and their muscles decline in size.
◉ Short essay questions should be answered in complete sentences. Do middle-aged adults experience a mid-life crisis? Explain why or why not. Answer: [TEACHERS NOTE] Answer needs to include the following points: crisis is too strong a term, transition does occur, few adults experience full-blown crisis, there are usually contributing factors to the crisis besides age. They do not technically experience a mid-life crisis. They may think that their issues are greater than what they are but crisis is considered a harsh term. There are definitely certain changes at this period of life like questioning where you should be or what you should be doing at this age compared to your peers. Should you have had a kid already or why aren't you in a relationship to get married? Their bodies also may be changing, getting slower, gaining weight, having body pains/aches, and more. This is more of a midlife transition than crisis because its more common and normal to feel these feelings and think these thoughts. Although, there is a small percentage of people that do go through a crisis around this age but they are still reaching adulthood and have more time to figure out the kinks. ◉ Compared to prior generations, people in Gen Z are _______ to identify as gay A. more likely B. less likely C. about as likely Answer: A. more likely
