In an investigation of over 120,000 New York City births, babies born even 1 to 2 weeks early __________ than children who experienced a full-length prenatal period.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the investigation of over 120,000 New York City births, babies born even 1 to 2 weeks early showed lower reading and math scores at a third-grade follow-up compared to children who experienced a full-length prenatal period. This suggests that being born slightly premature can have an impact on cognitive development, leading to educational challenges later on. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the study specifically highlighted lower reading and math scores, not a reduced likelihood of suffering from childhood obesity or neurological impairments, or improved language and social/emotional scores in early childhood.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Dr. Langley's work being focused on understanding constancy and change throughout the lifespan aligns with the field of developmental science, which studies how individuals grow and change from birth through old age. This field encompasses the study of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and other aspects of development across the lifespan. Choice A, genetics, primarily focuses on the study of genes, heredity, and genetic variation, which is not directly related to understanding constancy and change throughout the lifespan. Choice B, clinical psychology, concentrates on the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders rather than the broader study of development across the lifespan. Choice C, adolescent development, is more specific and limited in scope compared to the comprehensive study of development across the entire lifespan, which is the focus of developmental science.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the eighth month of pregnancy, lanugo typically is shed. Lanugo is the fine, downy hair that covers a fetus's body to help regulate body temperature while in the womb. By the eighth month, many fetuses shed this hair as they prepare for birth. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because fetal growth doubling, neuron production increasing, and the formation of eyes, ears, nose, jaw, and neck occur in earlier stages of pregnancy, not specifically in the eighth month.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Having access to social support during stressful periods can greatly reduce the effects of stress on the developing organism. Social support can provide emotional comfort, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging, which can help the expectant mother cope with stress more effectively. This support system can also help mitigate the negative impact of stress on the developing baby during pregnancy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while folic acid is important for prenatal health, it does not directly address the effects of stress. Taking anti-anxiety medication should be done under medical supervision and as a last resort due to potential risks to the developing baby. Bed rest during the last trimester is not a solution to reduce the effects of stress and may not address the underlying causes of stress.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Taking tests and answering questionnaires are examples of research methods. Research methods refer to the specific approaches used in conducting research, such as collecting data, analyzing information, and drawing conclusions. In this case, tests and questionnaires are tools used to gather information and data for research purposes, making them examples of research methods. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because research designs refer to the overall structure and plan of a study, theories are explanations developed through research and observation, and hypotheses are specific predictions or statements that can be tested through research.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In healthy, physically fit women, regular moderate to vigorous exercise during pregnancy is related to improved fetal cardiovascular functioning. Regular exercise has been shown to benefit both the mother and baby by promoting better cardiovascular health and overall well-being during pregnancy. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as exercise during pregnancy, when done appropriately, does not lead to lower birth weight, higher risk of premature birth, suppressed immune system development, or serious damage to the central nervous system. Instead, it is known to have positive effects on fetal development and maternal health.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the germinal period of prenatal development, which lasts for about the first two weeks after fertilization, the developing organism is a zygote that has not yet implanted in the uterus. During this period, teratogens rarely have any impact because essential implantation and early cellular division processes are occurring. Teratogens are more likely to have significant effects during the later embryonic and fetal periods of development. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choice B, embryonic period, is incorrect because teratogens have a higher likelihood of impacting development during this period. Choice C, fetal period, is also incorrect as teratogens can impact development during this stage as well. Choice D, prenatal, is a broad term encompassing the entire period of development from conception to birth and is not a specific developmental stage where teratogens have a minimal impact.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Self-reports can range from relatively unstructured interviews to highly structured interviews, questionnaires, and tests. This variety allows researchers to collect information from participants in different ways, depending on the research goals and the type of information being sought. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the range and flexibility of self-reports as outlined in the field of research methodology.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Sigmund Freud constructed his psychosexual theory on the basis of his adult patients' memories of painful childhood events. Freud believed that events in early childhood had a significant impact on an individual's development and personality. He used his patients' recollections of childhood experiences to develop his theories on psychosexual development. Choice B is incorrect as Freud did not base his theory on studies of animal behavior. Choice C is incorrect as Freud's theory was not solely based on interviews with institutionalized children and adolescents. Choice D is incorrect as Freud did not construct his theory by observing his own children.