The more a mental ability depends on __________ intelligence, the earlier it starts to decline.

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 D, antigens. Antigens are substances recognized by the immune system as foreign, triggering an immune response to neutralize or destroy them. In this context, T cells and B cells are specialized cells of the immune system that respond to antigens, but they are not the substances being neutralized or destroyed. Telomeres, on the other hand, are protective structures at the end of chromosomes and are not targeted for neutralization or destruction by the immune system.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: During adolescence, individuals start to rely more on feedback from close friends to develop their self-concept. Close friends play a significant role during this transitional period as they provide peer validation, support, and influence. Family members, although important, may not hold the same level of influence on self-concept during adolescence as close friends do. Younger children are unlikely to provide the necessary feedback and validation needed during this developmental stage. While self-reflection and understanding the inner self are vital for personal growth, during adolescence, external feedback from close friends tends to have a more pronounced impact on shaping self-concept.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'competition.' Parents often give boys toys that promote competition and physical activity, aligning with traditional gender roles. This emphasis on competition can help boys develop skills such as leadership, strategy, and resilience. Choice A, 'cooperation,' is incorrect because while cooperation is valuable, it is not typically emphasized through toys given to boys. Choice B, 'nurturance,' is also incorrect as nurturing qualities are not commonly associated with toys given to boys. Choice D, 'physical attractiveness,' is unrelated to the toys parents usually give their sons.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, gene-environment interaction. This concept highlights that genetic factors play a role in how individuals react to environmental factors. Niche-picking (choice B) refers to the tendency of individuals to select environments that complement their genetic predispositions, not the inherent genetic differences in responsiveness. Passive correlation (choice C) involves the association between the genetic makeup of parents and the environment they provide for their children, not individual differences in responsiveness. Evocative correlation (choice D) relates to the idea that an individual's genetic traits can elicit certain responses from others in the environment, rather than individual differences in responsiveness.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The United States is the correct answer as it ranks poorly in measures of children's health and well-being compared to other developed nations. According to the extract provided, the United States does not perform well in this aspect. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as there is no information provided suggesting that Sweden, Spain, or Australia do not rank well on key measures of children's health and well-being.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: According to Erikson, when parents are over- or undercontrolling, the outcome is a child who feels forced and shamed. This is because overly controlling parents can make the child feel inadequate, leading to a sense of shame and doubt. Choice B, 'acts competently on his own,' is incorrect because overcontrolling parents hinder the child's ability to act independently. Choice C, 'asserts his independence,' is incorrect because overcontrolling parents can actually suppress the child's independence. Choice D, 'feels self-confident,' is incorrect because overcontrolling parenting can undermine the child's confidence and lead to feelings of inadequacy.

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: B

Rationale: A warm, sensitive parent-child relationship is crucial in fostering a positive and coherent early self-concept in children. This type of relationship provides support, security, and emotional guidance, helping children develop a strong sense of self-worth and self-identity. Permissive parenting (Choice A) may lead to confusion and inconsistency in discipline, impacting the child's self-concept negatively. Authoritarian parenting (Choice C), characterized by strict rules and a lack of warmth, can result in a child feeling insecure and having a negative self-concept. Strong identification with an other-sex parent (Choice D) may influence gender identity development but may not directly impact the early self-concept in the same way a warm and sensitive parent-child relationship does.