Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ethnographic research is directed toward understanding a culture through participant observation. This type of observation involves the researcher immersing themselves in the culture being studied, actively participating in the daily activities and interactions of the group being studied. Through participant observation, researchers can gain a deep and nuanced understanding of the culture from the inside. Choice A, naturalistic observation, typically refers to observing subjects in their natural environment without interference, but it does not involve actively participating in the culture. Choice C, systematic observation, focuses on carefully planned and structured data collection methods but may not involve direct participation. Choice D, structured observation, implies a predefined set of guidelines for observation but lacks the immersive aspect of participant observation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: An experimental design permits inferences about cause and effect because researchers evenhandedly assign people to treatment conditions. This means that researchers can manipulate certain variables and observe the effects on participants, allowing them to determine causation between variables. This is a key strength of experimental research designs. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the primary purpose or strength of experimental designs. Experimental designs do not focus on gathering information in natural life circumstances (A), looking at relationships between characteristics and behavior (B), or have the limitation of not being able to infer cause and effect (D).

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: To avoid exposure to toxoplasmosis, Kaye should ask other family members to change the litter box. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can be transmitted through cat feces, so it is important for pregnant women to avoid handling cat litter to reduce the risk of infection. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they are not directly related to preventing toxoplasmosis. Smoking cessation is important for overall health but not specifically to prevent toxoplasmosis. Picking up after the dog and feeding the fish are not relevant to preventing toxoplasmosis, as the infection is primarily associated with cat feces.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Epidural analgesia is the most common approach to controlling pain during labor. It involves the administration of pain medication through a catheter placed in the epidural space of the spine, providing pain relief while allowing the mother to remain alert and participate in the birthing process. It is preferred by many women due to its effectiveness in reducing labor pain. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly address pain management during labor. While an anesthetic and a spinal block are forms of pain relief, epidural analgesia is specifically the most common method used for pain control during labor.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Many theorists believe that behaviorism and social learning theory offer too narrow a view of important environmental influences. This is because they focus mainly on observable behaviors and external factors, neglecting the role of internal cognitive processes and individual differences in shaping development. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because behaviorism and social learning theory do not specifically emphasize the plasticity of cognitive development, overestimate people's contributions to their own development, or overemphasize each individual's unique life history. Instead, they are criticized for providing a limited perspective by focusing predominantly on external stimuli and behaviors.