Babies who spend more time alert are likely to have __________.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Babies who spend more time alert are likely to have a slight advantage in mental development. Being alert allows babies to engage with their surroundings, explore, and learn, which can contribute to their cognitive development. This is different from social development, which is more related to interactions with others, and not necessarily impacted by the amount of alertness a baby displays. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because there is no direct correlation between a baby's alertness and their parents' feelings of incompetence, a big disadvantage in social development, or the effort parents need to soothe them.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Sensitivity to touch emerges early prenatally and is well-developed at birth. Newborn babies have a well-developed sense of touch, which is crucial for bonding with their caregivers and exploring their environment. This sensitivity to touch helps babies respond to comforting sensations such as gentle strokes and cuddles. Visual acuity, color vision, and depth perception are sensory capabilities that develop and mature after birth, not prenatally. While important for interacting with the environment, they are not as well-developed at birth as sensitivity to touch.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Three-month-old Jefferson will likely listen longer to human speech compared to nonspeech sounds because infants have a natural preference for speech sounds. This preference is believed to be attributed to their biological readiness to learn language and communicate with others. Choice A is incorrect because voices are a form of human speech, which is preferred over pure tones. Choice B is incorrect as noises do not necessarily engage infants' attention as effectively as human speech. Choice D is incorrect because Jefferson is more likely to listen longer to his native language rather than a foreign language at this early age.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because investigators who study development aim to identify the factors that influence consistencies and transformations in people from conception to death. This goal encompasses various domains such as physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, highlighting the comprehensive nature of developmental research. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the overarching goal of developmental researchers, which is to understand the factors influencing individuals throughout their lifespan, rather than focusing solely on genetic factors, environmental factors related to disease, or abnormal development in specific age groups.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Theorists who emphasize plasticity believe that change in response to influential experiences is possible. They argue that individuals have the capacity to adapt and change their behavior based on their experiences, rather than being limited by genetic predispositions or early childhood experiences. This perspective highlights the importance of environmental influences in shaping behavior and development. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the concept of plasticity, which emphasizes the flexibility and adaptability of individuals in response to their experiences, rather than being fixed by heredity, childhood traits, or early experiences.