Dr. Faulkner believes that directly observable events, such as stimuli and responses, are the appropriate focus of the study of development. Dr. Faulkner probably follows the __________ perspective of development.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Dr. Faulkner's focus on directly observable events, such as stimuli and responses, aligns with the behaviorist perspective of development. Behaviorism emphasizes the influence of the environment on individual behavior and learning, with a strong emphasis on observable actions rather than internal mental processes or stages of development. Choice A, psychosexual, is associated with Freud's theory focusing on stages of psychosexual development. Choice B, psychosocial, is linked to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. Choice D, cognitive-developmental, is related to Piaget's theory emphasizing cognitive development stages.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: According to Jean Piaget's cognitive-developmental theory, children actively construct knowledge as they manipulate and explore their world. Piaget emphasized that children learn through their own actions and interactions with the environment, leading to cognitive development. Choice B is incorrect because Piaget's theory focuses on children's active engagement in learning rather than passive reinforcement. Choice C is incorrect because Piaget's theory highlights the child's role in constructing knowledge, not solely relying on adult teaching. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to sensitive periods, a concept more associated with other developmental theories like Erikson's psychosocial theory, not Piaget's cognitive-developmental theory.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Piaget's critics point out that his stagewise account pays insufficient attention to social and cultural influences. Critics argue that Piaget's theory does not fully consider the impact of social interactions, cultural differences, and individual experiences on children's cognitive development. They believe that these factors play a crucial role in shaping a child's thinking and problem-solving abilities, which should be given more emphasis. Choice A is incorrect because Piaget's critics do not focus on him overestimating the competencies of infants and young children. Choice C is incorrect as it discusses a different aspect of learning rather than the critique of Piaget's theory. Choice D is also incorrect since critics do not argue that children's performances on Piagetian tasks cannot be improved with training.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The criticism that the information-processing approach ignores transformation in adulthood, concluding that no major cognitive changes occur after adolescence, suggests a limitation of the theory in not fully acknowledging that cognitive development continues throughout the lifespan. This criticism highlights a potential drawback of the approach in terms of its understanding of cognitive changes beyond adolescence. Choice A is incorrect because the criticism is not about underestimating the individual's contribution. Choice C is also incorrect as the criticism is not related to age-specific competencies. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on a different aspect of the information-processing approach.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ecological systems theory views the person as developing within a complex system of relationships affected by multiple levels of the surrounding environment. This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals with their social and physical environment, recognizing that development is influenced by various factors interacting at different levels of the ecological system. Choice A is incorrect because it describes a genetically determined development process, which is not the focus of ecological systems theory. Choice C is incorrect because it highlights observational learning as the primary influence on development, neglecting the broader environmental factors. Choice D is incorrect as it compares the person to a computer system, which does not align with the principles of ecological systems theory.