Spatial skills __________.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Spatial skills develop gradually over childhood and adolescence, reflecting the increasing complexity of these abilities. Choice A is incorrect because spatial skills do not increase exponentially in early childhood but rather develop steadily. Choice B is incorrect as spatial skills are not directly linked to executive function. Choice D is incorrect because spatial skills are not typically housed in a specific hemisphere but involve a network of brain regions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Dr. Kostel's belief in stage-based development aligns with the discontinuous perspective, which sees development as a series of distinct stages. The continuous perspective (choice B) suggests development as a smooth and gradual process without distinct stages. The nature perspective (choice D) focuses on genetic and hereditary influences on development. The nurture perspective (choice A) emphasizes the impact of environment and upbringing on development, which is not directly related to the belief in stage-based development.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'the United States.' According to the information provided, the United States has the highest percentage of extremely poor children among Western nations. This is supported by the extract, which states that the United States leads in this aspect. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as the question specifically asks for the country with the highest percentage of extremely poor children among Western nations, which is the United States.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: According to Jean Piaget, equilibrium is the balance between what children already know (internal structures) and the new information they encounter. Imitation (choice A) is not directly related to this concept. Adaptation (choice B) involves adjusting to new information and is part of Piaget's theory, but it does not specifically refer to the balance between internal structures and external information. Cognition (choice C) is a broader term that encompasses mental processes, including thinking, learning, and problem-solving, but it is not specifically about the balance between internal structures and external information as equilibrium is.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Avoidant.' Avoidant coping refers to strategies that involve avoiding the problem and focusing more on emotions. This type of coping mechanism can often lead to negative outcomes as individuals may engage in self-blaming, impulsive behaviors, or seek escapist routes rather than addressing the issue directly. Choice B, 'Ineffective,' is a broad term and does not specifically capture the characteristics described in the question. Choice C, 'Problem-focused,' is the opposite of avoidant coping as it involves actively addressing the issue at hand. Choice D, 'Flexible,' does not align with the description provided, as flexibility in coping involves adapting strategies based on the situation, not necessarily being emotion-focused, self-blaming, impulsive, or escapist.