Dr. Bigelow is interested in studying musical prodigies. Which method is best suited for this type of research?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A case study would be the best method for Dr. Bigelow to study musical prodigies. In a case study, the researcher can closely examine and analyze the unique characteristics, abilities, and behaviors of individual subjects. This method allows for in-depth exploration of a specific phenomenon, making it ideal for investigating exceptional cases such as musical prodigies. Naturalistic observation involves observing subjects in their natural environment without interference, which may not provide the detailed insights needed for studying musical prodigies. Clinical interviews focus on gathering information through structured questioning, not ideal for studying unique talents. Structured interviews involve asking a set of predetermined questions, which may not allow for the depth of exploration required for studying musical prodigies.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Mr. Takashi should be allowed to participate in the study only if it is likely to benefit him directly. This decision aligns with the principle of beneficence in research ethics, which emphasizes maximizing benefits and minimizing risks for research participants. Since Mr. Takashi is incapable of giving consent, his participation should be based on the likelihood of direct benefits to him rather than solely for the benefit of others or solely for research purposes. Option A is too restrictive and does not consider potential benefits to Mr. Takashi. Option B is flawed as it disregards the need for the study to benefit Mr. Takashi. Option C focuses on benefiting others, which is not the primary consideration when the participant cannot give consent.

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.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: High-quality child care that is affordable and reliable can help prevent escalating demands on families that lead to chaos. This is achieved by providing a stable and supportive environment for children, enabling parents to balance work and family responsibilities effectively. Access to reliable child care reduces stress and helps in preventing chaos within the family, ultimately leading to improved well-being for both parents and children. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly address the need for external support to manage family demands and prevent chaos. Parental multitasking, eating separate meals, and compressing family routines may not provide the necessary stability and support required to prevent escalating demands on families.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ivan Pavlov discovered classical conditioning. This is a form of learning in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus and acquires the capacity to elicit a similar response. Pavlov's famous experiment with dogs, where he conditioned them to salivate at the sound of a bell, demonstrated this principle. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Pavlov's work primarily focused on classical conditioning, not observational learning, ego contributions to development, or the clinical method.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the last weeks of pregnancy, most fetuses assume an upside-down position known as the head-down position or vertex presentation. This position is ideal for a smoother labor and delivery process as it helps the baby move through the birth canal. Fetal growth has already slowed down at this stage, so option C is incorrect. Option A is inaccurate as the fetus typically gains weight in the final weeks. Option D is incorrect because the fetus relies on the mother's immune system while in the womb.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'poorer the child's achievement scores in the school years.' Prenatal exposure to alcohol has been linked to a range of cognitive and behavioral difficulties, including lower academic achievement in children. These difficulties may manifest as poor achievement scores in later school years. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because alcohol consumption during pregnancy is not associated with higher birth weight of the child, the likelihood of ARND instead of FAS or p-FAS, or greater speed of information processing in the child.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rotunda, age 16, is the most likely to have had inadequate prenatal care due to her young age and possibly limited access to healthcare resources and support. Adolescents are at higher risk for inadequate prenatal care compared to older mothers due to various factors such as lack of awareness, financial constraints, and inconsistent health behaviors. Young mothers may face challenges in seeking proper prenatal care due to reasons like lack of knowledge, fear of judgment, or limited financial means. Older mothers like Lupe, Marissa, and Janette are less likely to have inadequate prenatal care compared to a younger mother like Rotunda, as they may have more access to resources, experience, and support systems.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Cross-sectional studies can be threatened by cohort effects because different age groups may have experienced different historical or social contexts, influencing the results. This disparity can lead to invalid comparisons between age groups, confounding the study's findings. Option A, practice effects, refer to changes in participants' behavior due to repeated testing, not a specific threat to cross-sectional studies. Participant dropout (Option B) is a threat related to attrition in longitudinal studies, not cross-sectional studies. Sequential timing (Option C) does not pose a threat to cross-sectional studies; instead, it refers to the order of tasks in a study design.