Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In middle childhood, self-esteem becomes more differentiated and organized into a hierarchy based on various domains of competence. This period marks a time when children start to compare their abilities in different areas, such as academic performance, social skills, and physical abilities. Toddlerhood and preschool years are characterized by the development of basic self-awareness and self-concept, but self-esteem hierarchy typically emerges later in middle childhood and further solidifies in adolescence as individuals navigate complex social dynamics and personal identities.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Albert Bandura's theory emphasizes the role of cognition in learning through observation. It highlights the significance of mental processes such as attention, memory, and motivation in shaping behavior. Choice A, behavior modification, focuses more on changing specific behaviors through various techniques. Choice B, punishment, involves the application of negative consequences to reduce the likelihood of a behavior occurring. Choice D, reinforcement, centers on the use of rewards or punishments to increase or decrease the probability of a behavior.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Lev Vygotsky. Vygotsky emphasized the role of social interaction and cultural tools in the development of higher cognitive functions. Jean Piaget focused more on individual cognitive development stages, Ren©e Baillargeon is known for her work in infant cognition and object permanence, and Noam Chomsky is renowned for his theories in linguistics and the study of language.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Possible selves are ideas about what one might become in the future, which increase during the transition from early to middle adulthood. This period is characterized by individuals exploring and considering different potential future selves. Self-doubt (choice B) typically decreases as individuals become more confident and self-assured in middle adulthood. Destructiveness (choice C) is not a common developmental trend during this period. Autonomy (choice D) is a concept related to independence and self-governance, which may develop over a person's lifespan but does not specifically increase during the transition from early to middle adulthood.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Avery demonstrating the ability to retrieve his ball hidden under a blanket indicates that he has started to understand object permanence. Object permanence is the concept that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight. This milestone typically occurs around 8-12 months of age. The other choices are incorrect. Option A, the tertiary circular reaction, is related to Piaget's theory of sensorimotor development but does not specifically address object permanence. Reflexive schemes (Option B) refer to simple, reflex-like behaviors and are not directly linked to object permanence. Deferred imitation (Option D) involves the ability to imitate actions observed at an earlier time, which is a different developmental milestone compared to object permanence.