As school-age children move into adolescence, self-concept is increasingly vested in feedback from __________.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: During adolescence, individuals start to rely more on feedback from close friends to develop their self-concept. Close friends play a significant role during this transitional period as they provide peer validation, support, and influence. Family members, although important, may not hold the same level of influence on self-concept during adolescence as close friends do. Younger children are unlikely to provide the necessary feedback and validation needed during this developmental stage. While self-reflection and understanding the inner self are vital for personal growth, during adolescence, external feedback from close friends tends to have a more pronounced impact on shaping self-concept.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The information-processing perspective focuses on how individuals process, store, and retrieve information. Choice A, 'examines separate aspects of thinking,' accurately reflects this perspective. The other choices are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because the information-processing perspective does consider biological influences on cognitive development. Choice C is incorrect as this perspective is not limited to children in cultures with formal schooling. Choice D is incorrect as the information-processing perspective does not focus on overall cognitive change, but rather on the specific processes involved in information processing.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The formal operational stage in Piaget's theory is characterized by abstract reasoning, hypothetical thinking, and logical reasoning. This stage represents the most complex period of cognitive development according to Piaget. Choices A, B, and C refer to earlier stages in Piaget's theory and do not involve the level of abstract thinking and logical reasoning seen in the formal operational stage.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Development is best understood as a series of complex exchanges between nature (genetic factors) and nurture (environmental influences). This perspective emphasizes the interaction and interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental experiences in shaping an individual's development. Choices A and B are too extreme as they suggest that development is solely determined by genetics or solely influenced by the environment, which is not the case. Choice C is incorrect as development is not viewed as an unsolvable puzzle but rather as a dynamic process influenced by multiple factors.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: According to Erikson, when parents are over- or undercontrolling, the outcome is a child who feels forced and shamed. This is because overly controlling parents can make the child feel inadequate, leading to a sense of shame and doubt. Choice B, 'acts competently on his own,' is incorrect because overcontrolling parents hinder the child's ability to act independently. Choice C, 'asserts his independence,' is incorrect because overcontrolling parents can actually suppress the child's independence. Choice D, 'feels self-confident,' is incorrect because overcontrolling parenting can undermine the child's confidence and lead to feelings of inadequacy.