Most cognitive aging research has focused on intellectual ________.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: deficits.' Most cognitive aging research has indeed focused on deficits rather than stability, gains, or competence. Studies have consistently shown that deficits in processing speed and memory are common in aging individuals, making it a primary area of interest in research. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because cognitive aging research primarily aims to understand and address deficits associated with aging rather than focusing on stability, gains, or overall competence.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Birth weight.' Birth weight is a crucial indicator of an infant's chances of survival and well-being. Low birth weight is associated with various health risks and developmental challenges. Birth length (choice A) is not as significant in predicting infant outcomes as birth weight. The Combined Apgar score (choice B) is a measure of the newborn's health status at birth, not a predictor of long-term survival and development. Delivery date (choice C) is important for determining gestational age but is not as directly related to infant survival and healthy development as birth weight.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A circular reaction is a process where an infant repeats a specific action to explore and learn about the environment through their own motor activity. This repetition helps the infant to understand the consequences of their actions and build cognitive schemes. Sensorimotor reflex (choice A) refers to automatic responses to stimuli, not a purposeful repetition of actions to learn. Mental representation (choice C) involves internal cognitive structures to represent objects or events in the mind, which is different from the repetitive behavior described in the question. Goal-directed behavior (choice D) is purposeful and intentional, unlike the repetitive nature of circular reactions in infants' learning process.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'secure.' Research shows that the secure attachment pattern is the most common across various societies. In this pattern, children feel safe, secure, and loved, allowing them to explore the world and seek comfort from their caregivers when needed. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while these attachment patterns exist, they are not as prevalent or universal as the secure attachment pattern. Insecure-avoidant attachment involves children avoiding or ignoring their caregiver, insecure-resistant attachment consists of ambivalence and mixed emotions towards the caregiver, and disorganized/disoriented attachment is characterized by inconsistent and often chaotic behaviors towards the caregiver.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, despair is the stage that aging adults face when they reflect on their life and feel they have not achieved their goals, with little time left to correct their mistakes. Mistrust (choice A) is associated with infancy, stagnation (choice C) with middle adulthood, and isolation (choice D) with young adulthood, and are not relevant to the described scenario of aging adults reflecting on their life decisions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Vision is the least-developed sense in newborn babies. While newborns can see, their vision is not as developed as their other senses at birth. Taste, sound, and touch are more developed senses in newborns compared to vision. Over time, through visual stimulation and experiences, a baby's vision gradually improves and develops.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'self-indulgence'. Stagnation in Erikson's midlife stage refers to a lack of growth and self-indulgence, leading to a feeling of unproductiveness. This contrasts with 'role confusion' (A), which is associated with Erikson's adolescence stage, 'selflessness' (B) which is a positive trait, and 'guilt and shame' (D) which are emotions typically associated with earlier stages of development.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Language development plays a crucial role in emotional self-regulation in preschoolers. It enables children to express and manage their emotions effectively. Choices A and B, permissive and authoritarian child rearing styles, focus more on the parenting approach rather than the child's intrinsic development. Family size, as mentioned in choice D, does not directly contribute to gains in emotional self-regulation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: According to Erikson's psychosocial theory, the danger in middle childhood is 'inferiority.' During this stage, children may develop a sense of inadequacy and inferiority if they are unable to master the social and academic tasks expected of them. This feeling of inferiority can lead to low self-esteem and pessimism about their abilities. Choice A, 'shame,' is more closely associated with Erikson's stage of autonomy vs. shame and doubt in early childhood. Choice B, 'mistrust,' is linked to Erikson's stage of trust vs. mistrust in infancy. Choice D, 'despair,' is related to Erikson's stage of integrity vs. despair in late adulthood.