What are influences that are unusual events with a major impact on individual lives because they disrupt the expected sequence of the life cycle?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Nonnormative influences refer to unusual events that have a significant impact on individuals' lives by disrupting the typical life cycle. They are events that are not typical for a specific age or cohort. Normative history-graded influences (choice B) are common influences shared by a specific generation due to historical circumstances. Normative age-graded influences (choice C) are typical events that occur at a particular age for most people. A sensitive period (choice D) is a biologically determined time during which specific experiences have a lasting impact on development.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Philosopher John Locke characterized the mind of a child as a 'blank slate,' indicating that it is devoid of innate ideas or characteristics. This concept suggests that a child's mind is shaped and developed through experiences and learning rather than having inherent qualities. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as Locke did not view the mind of a child as innately good, conscientious, or associated with the superego-ideal. Instead, he believed that individuals are born without built-in mental content, emphasizing the importance of environmental influences on cognitive development.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Freud believed that castration anxiety among boys leads to the resolution of the Oedipus complex, not penis envy or cognitive learning. The Oedipus complex is a central psychodynamic concept in Freudian theory, where boys develop unconscious desires for their mothers and view their fathers as rivals, fearing castration by their fathers as a consequence.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because one common criticism of Piaget's theory is that children often acquire cognitive abilities earlier than Piaget proposed. This criticism suggests that Piaget's stages might not be as fixed or rigid as he believed. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: A is a characteristic of Piaget's theory; B is not a common criticism, as research generally supports the existence of Piaget's stages; and C is inaccurate, as Piaget actually emphasized the importance of mental processes in cognitive development.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Zygote. A zygote is formed when the 23 chromosomes from the ovum and sperm combine during conception. It is the initial cell formed and marks the beginning of a new organism. Choice A, Embryo, is incorrect as an embryo is formed later in the development process. Choice B, DNA, is incorrect as DNA is the genetic material within the chromosomes but is not the name of the new cell formed after fertilization. Choice C, Fetus, is incorrect as a fetus is the stage of prenatal development that occurs well after the zygote stage.