To study the impact of biological aging on motor skills, researchers focus on __________.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: competitive athletes. Competitive athletes are often studied by researchers to investigate the impact of biological aging on motor skills because their performance is closely linked to physical abilities. Sedentary adults (choice A) may not provide a clear understanding of the relationship between biological aging and motor skills as they may not engage in consistent physical activity. Men in their mid- to late thirties (choice C) and women in their childbearing years (choice D) may not represent a group where motor skills are as finely tuned and critical to performance as in competitive athletes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Possible selves are ideas about what one might become in the future, which increase during the transition from early to middle adulthood. This period is characterized by individuals exploring and considering different potential future selves. Self-doubt (choice B) typically decreases as individuals become more confident and self-assured in middle adulthood. Destructiveness (choice C) is not a common developmental trend during this period. Autonomy (choice D) is a concept related to independence and self-governance, which may develop over a person's lifespan but does not specifically increase during the transition from early to middle adulthood.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Albert Bandura's theory emphasizes the role of cognition in learning through observation. It highlights the significance of mental processes such as attention, memory, and motivation in shaping behavior. Choice A, behavior modification, focuses more on changing specific behaviors through various techniques. Choice B, punishment, involves the application of negative consequences to reduce the likelihood of a behavior occurring. Choice D, reinforcement, centers on the use of rewards or punishments to increase or decrease the probability of a behavior.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: deficits.' Most cognitive aging research has indeed focused on deficits rather than stability, gains, or competence. Studies have consistently shown that deficits in processing speed and memory are common in aging individuals, making it a primary area of interest in research. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because cognitive aging research primarily aims to understand and address deficits associated with aging rather than focusing on stability, gains, or overall competence.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Kohlberg's moral stages are not strictly sequential but rather overlap and are more fluid, much like Piaget's cognitive stages. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because Kohlberg's stages do not follow a neat, predictable, or highly organized pattern, as they can be revisited and experienced in varying orders.