Three-month-old Jefferson will probably listen longer to __________ than to __________.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Three-month-old Jefferson will likely listen longer to human speech compared to nonspeech sounds because infants have a natural preference for speech sounds. This preference is believed to be attributed to their biological readiness to learn language and communicate with others. Choice A is incorrect because voices are a form of human speech, which is preferred over pure tones. Choice B is incorrect as noises do not necessarily engage infants' attention as effectively as human speech. Choice D is incorrect because Jefferson is more likely to listen longer to his native language rather than a foreign language at this early age.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Babies who spend more time alert are likely to have a slight advantage in mental development. Being alert allows babies to engage with their surroundings, explore, and learn, which can contribute to their cognitive development. This is different from social development, which is more related to interactions with others, and not necessarily impacted by the amount of alertness a baby displays. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because there is no direct correlation between a baby's alertness and their parents' feelings of incompetence, a big disadvantage in social development, or the effort parents need to soothe them.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Dr. Dias's research findings indicate a correlation between the death of a spouse and a decline in the surviving partner's physical health. This correlation suggests a relationship between the two variables, but it does not necessarily imply a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Therefore, the correct conclusion supported by this study is option B - 'The death of a spouse is related to a decline in the surviving partner's physical health.' Option A is too direct in its causation claim, which is not proven by correlation alone. Option C reverses the cause and effect relationship suggested by the research. Option D introduces an unrelated third variable, which is not supported by the study's findings.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Dr. Redmund's view of development aligns with the bioecological model, which is associated with Urie Bronfenbrenner. This model emphasizes the interaction between an individual's biological characteristics and environmental influences in development. Jean Piaget's theory focuses on cognitive development, Lev Vygotsky's theory emphasizes social interactions, and Niko Tinbergen is known for his work in animal behavior and instinct, not human development. Therefore, the correct answer is Urie Bronfenbrenner (Choice B).

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: During the second month of pregnancy, the heart of the developing fetus begins to develop separate chambers, forming the structure necessary for a fully functioning heart. This is a significant milestone in the prenatal development process. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the appearance of the umbilical cord as a primitive body stalk typically occurs around week 5-6, touch sensitivity extending to most of the body is more characteristic of the end of the second trimester, and the heartbeat is usually detectable through a stethoscope around the 18th to 20th week of pregnancy, not during the second month.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: High-quality child care that is affordable and reliable can help prevent escalating demands on families that lead to chaos. This is achieved by providing a stable and supportive environment for children, enabling parents to balance work and family responsibilities effectively. Access to reliable child care reduces stress and helps in preventing chaos within the family, ultimately leading to improved well-being for both parents and children. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly address the need for external support to manage family demands and prevent chaos. Parental multitasking, eating separate meals, and compressing family routines may not provide the necessary stability and support required to prevent escalating demands on families.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A case study would be the best method for Dr. Bigelow to study musical prodigies. In a case study, the researcher can closely examine and analyze the unique characteristics, abilities, and behaviors of individual subjects. This method allows for in-depth exploration of a specific phenomenon, making it ideal for investigating exceptional cases such as musical prodigies. Naturalistic observation involves observing subjects in their natural environment without interference, which may not provide the detailed insights needed for studying musical prodigies. Clinical interviews focus on gathering information through structured questioning, not ideal for studying unique talents. Structured interviews involve asking a set of predetermined questions, which may not allow for the depth of exploration required for studying musical prodigies.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The recommended weight gain during pregnancy depends on the pre-pregnancy weight of the mother. For a woman with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI, the recommended weight gain is typically between 25 to 30 pounds. This range is considered healthy to support the growth and development of the baby while also maintaining the mother's health. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they represent weight gain ranges that are either too low or too high for a woman with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI, which could pose health risks for both the mother and the baby. It is crucial to adhere to healthcare professionals' guidelines to ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth outcome.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The corrected statement 'Paul learned to play the violin at a young age' provides an example of an age-graded influence. This is because learning to play the violin is a behavior that is typical or expected at a certain age, reflecting how age influences individuals' experiences and development. In contrast, choices B, C, and D do not directly relate to age-graded influences. Jack's enjoyment of hiking, Sarah's preference for reading mystery novels, and Alex's proficiency in mathematics are not inherently tied to age-related developmental influences.