Theorists who emphasize plasticity believe that __________.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Theorists who emphasize plasticity believe that change in response to influential experiences is possible. They argue that individuals have the capacity to adapt and change their behavior based on their experiences, rather than being limited by genetic predispositions or early childhood experiences. This perspective highlights the importance of environmental influences in shaping behavior and development. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the concept of plasticity, which emphasizes the flexibility and adaptability of individuals in response to their experiences, rather than being fixed by heredity, childhood traits, or early experiences.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The statement that baby boomers were labeled a narcissistic, indulged, 'me' generation aligns with the common perception of this generation in popular culture and media. Baby boomers, who were born between 1946 and 1964, have often been characterized in this way due to their reputation for self-centeredness and individualism. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the typical perception of baby boomers in popular culture and media.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Arnold Gesell is generally regarded as the founder of the child study movement, emphasizing the importance of observing and documenting children's behaviors to understand their development. While he was a significant figure in child development research, he did not specifically write child-rearing books for parents, foreshadow lifespan research, or construct the first successful intelligence test. Choice A is incorrect as Gesell's focus was more on research rather than writing child-rearing books. Choice C is incorrect as Gesell's main contributions were in child development, not specifically in aging research. Choice D is incorrect as Gesell is not credited with constructing the first successful intelligence test.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: According to psychosexual theory, developed by Sigmund Freud, how parents manage their child's sexual and aggressive drives in the first few years is crucial for healthy personality development. This theory suggests that personality development is heavily influenced by a child's experiences during early stages of development, particularly related to handling sexual and aggressive impulses. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the core principles of psychosexual theory, which focuses on the importance of early childhood experiences, especially in the context of sexual and aggressive drives.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ivan Pavlov discovered classical conditioning. This is a form of learning in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus and acquires the capacity to elicit a similar response. Pavlov's famous experiment with dogs, where he conditioned them to salivate at the sound of a bell, demonstrated this principle. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Pavlov's work primarily focused on classical conditioning, not observational learning, ego contributions to development, or the clinical method.