Piaget's _________ stage is the most complex period of development.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The formal operational stage in Piaget's theory is characterized by abstract reasoning, hypothetical thinking, and logical reasoning. This stage represents the most complex period of cognitive development according to Piaget. Choices A, B, and C refer to earlier stages in Piaget's theory and do not involve the level of abstract thinking and logical reasoning seen in the formal operational stage.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'a recast.' A recast occurs when an adult rephrases a child's incorrect speech into the accurate form, aiding in the learning of proper grammar. Choice A, 'fast-mapping,' refers to the ability to learn new words quickly; choice B, 'an expansion,' typically involves adding more information to a child's speech; choice C, 'overregularization,' is an error children make when they apply grammatical rules too broadly.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: fluid. Fluid intelligence, which involves problem-solving and reasoning, tends to decline earlier than crystallized intelligence. Crystallized intelligence, on the other hand, involves knowledge and skills acquired over time and is more stable with age. Emotional intelligence and cultural intelligence are not directly related to the decline of mental abilities mentioned in the question, making them incorrect choices.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'social referencing.' Social referencing is a behavior where infants seek emotional information from a trusted person, usually a caregiver, to determine how to respond in uncertain situations. This process helps infants regulate their emotions and behaviors based on the cues they receive from the trusted individual. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because self-control, give-and-take, and emotional self-regulation do not specifically involve seeking emotional information from others in uncertain situations, as social referencing does.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Erikson's theory of psychosocial development highlights generativity as the central focus of middle adulthood. Generativity involves being productive, caring for others, and contributing to society. This stage is characterized by a desire to leave a lasting impact on future generations. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Initiative is associated with the preschool years, autonomy with early childhood, and industry with middle childhood according to Erikson's stages of development.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: concrete operational. During the concrete operational stage, children start to engage in logical thinking about concrete events. This stage typically occurs between the ages of 7 to 11 years. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The sensorimotor stage (choice A) is the first stage in Piaget's theory, occurring from birth to about 2 years old. The preoperational stage (choice B) follows the sensorimotor stage and occurs roughly from ages 2 to 7 years. The formal operational stage (choice D) is the final stage in Piaget's theory, where abstract thinking and hypothetical reasoning develop, usually beginning around age 11.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Development is best understood as a series of complex exchanges between nature (genetic factors) and nurture (environmental influences). This perspective emphasizes the interaction and interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental experiences in shaping an individual's development. Choices A and B are too extreme as they suggest that development is solely determined by genetics or solely influenced by the environment, which is not the case. Choice C is incorrect as development is not viewed as an unsolvable puzzle but rather as a dynamic process influenced by multiple factors.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The information-processing perspective focuses on how individuals process, store, and retrieve information. Choice A, 'examines separate aspects of thinking,' accurately reflects this perspective. The other choices are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because the information-processing perspective does consider biological influences on cognitive development. Choice C is incorrect as this perspective is not limited to children in cultures with formal schooling. Choice D is incorrect as the information-processing perspective does not focus on overall cognitive change, but rather on the specific processes involved in information processing.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In females, the twenty-third pair of chromosomes is indeed labeled as XX. This pair of chromosomes determines the biological sex of females. Choice A, 'an autosome,' is incorrect as autosomes refer to the non-sex chromosomes. Choice B, 'dizygotic,' is incorrect as it relates to twins. Choice D, 'XY,' is incorrect as it represents the chromosome pair found in males.