The term teratogen refers to __________.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'any environmental agent that causes damage during the prenatal period.' A teratogen is any substance or factor that can cause harm to the developing fetus during pregnancy. Choice B is incorrect because it describes a critical period, not a teratogen. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to a specific period of development, not a teratogen. Choice D is incorrect because it describes a synthetic hormone, not a teratogen.

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 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: 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: D

Rationale: In cognitive-developmental theory, a scheme is an organized way of making sense of experience. This term refers to mental structures or frameworks that help individuals interpret and understand the world around them. Choice A is incorrect because schemes are developed through interaction with the environment. Choice B refers to object permanence, a concept from Piaget's theory of cognitive development, not schemes. Choice C describes observational learning, which is different from the concept of schemes in cognitive development.