Many theorists believe that behaviorism and social learning theory ________.

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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The major strength of the information-processing approach to development is its commitment to rigorous research methods. This approach emphasizes systematic observation, measurement, and experimentation to study cognitive development in individuals. By using rigorous research methods, researchers can gather reliable and valid data to better understand how information is processed in the human mind. This commitment to methodological rigor enhances the credibility and validity of the conclusions drawn within the information-processing approach to development. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the information-processing approach focuses on empirical research methods rather than the study of imagination, case study interviews, or disproving other developmental theories.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Observations of imprinting in animals, such as ducklings following the first moving object they see after hatching, led to the major concept of the critical period in human development. The critical period is a specific time frame during which an organism must experience certain stimuli to develop properly. This concept has been influential in understanding various aspects of human development, such as language acquisition and social attachment. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Adaptation refers to adjusting to the environment, equilibrium is about balance in cognitive processes, and classical conditioning is a learning process associated with behaviorism, none of which directly relate to the concept derived from imprinting observations.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Vygotsky's emphasis on culture and social experience did not lead him to neglect the biological side of development. Instead, he believed that biological factors and social influences interact to shape cognitive development. Choice A is correct because it reflects Vygotsky's view that biological factors and social experiences work together in cognitive development. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as Vygotsky's emphasis was not on overemphasizing heredity, focusing solely on independent efforts of children, or placing too much emphasis on children's capacity to shape their own development.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In ecological systems theory, the chronosystem refers to the dimension of time and how events and transitions over time can influence an individual's development. Toby's move just before entering fourth grade represents a significant change in his life that falls under the chronosystem. The microsystem involves the immediate environments and relationships that directly influence an individual, the mesosystem relates to connections between these environments, and the exosystem includes external settings that indirectly influence the individual, such as parents' workplaces. Therefore, Toby's move best exemplifies a change in the chronosystem due to the temporal influence on his development.