What is largely responsible for the worldwide rise in cesarean deliveries?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Medical control over childbirth is largely responsible for the worldwide rise in cesarean deliveries. Cesarean deliveries are often performed due to various medical interventions such as monitoring the progress of labor, fetal distress, and other complications that may arise during childbirth. The increasing use of medical interventions and technology has contributed to the higher rate of cesarean deliveries globally. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not directly involve the decision-making and interventions typically carried out by medical professionals during childbirth, which are major factors leading to the rise in cesarean deliveries.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Sigmund Freud constructed his psychosexual theory on the basis of his adult patients' memories of painful childhood events. Freud believed that events in early childhood had a significant impact on an individual's development and personality. He used his patients' recollections of childhood experiences to develop his theories on psychosexual development. Choice B is incorrect as Freud did not base his theory on studies of animal behavior. Choice C is incorrect as Freud's theory was not solely based on interviews with institutionalized children and adolescents. Choice D is incorrect as Freud did not construct his theory by observing his own children.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ethnographies reveal that immigrant parents prioritize education as the surest way to improve life chances for their children. While learning English is important for integration, education is considered the key for better opportunities and success in the long term. Close ties to an ethnic community can provide support but may not directly lead to improved life chances. Moving into an urban area is not highlighted in the context of immigrant parents' views on improving life chances through their children's development.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: According to Jean Piaget's cognitive-developmental theory, children actively construct knowledge as they manipulate and explore their world. Piaget emphasized that children learn through their own actions and interactions with the environment, leading to cognitive development. Choice B is incorrect because Piaget's theory focuses on children's active engagement in learning rather than passive reinforcement. Choice C is incorrect because Piaget's theory highlights the child's role in constructing knowledge, not solely relying on adult teaching. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to sensitive periods, a concept more associated with other developmental theories like Erikson's psychosocial theory, not Piaget's cognitive-developmental theory.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Newborn Mariana, who reacts strongly to unpleasant stimuli, is described as susceptible to colic. Colic is often characterized by excessive crying and fussiness in newborn babies, which can be challenging to console. This description suggests that Mariana's strong reactions to unpleasant stimuli may make her more prone to colic. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the strong reactions to unpleasant stimuli do not imply being easy to console, affect REM sleep, or responsiveness to swaddling.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'It is linked to impulsivity and overactivity.' Prenatal marijuana exposure has been associated with impulsivity and overactivity in children based on research findings. However, lasting consequences of prenatal marijuana exposure are not as well-established compared to other teratogens. Choice B is incorrect because lasting consequences are not firmly established. Choice C is incorrect because studies have shown negative effects of prenatal marijuana exposure. Choice D is incorrect as prenatal marijuana exposure is not primarily linked to physical malformations.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: One major disadvantage of cross-sectional research is that factors affecting individual development cannot be explored thoroughly. Cross-sectional research involves comparing different groups of people at one specific point in time, and does not allow for tracking individual changes over time. This limitation means that the unique influences and trajectories of individual development may be overlooked in cross-sectional studies. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is not a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research as age-related changes can still be compared across different groups in this type of study. Choice B, while a potential issue in any study, is not specific to cross-sectional research. Choice D refers to a different type of bias caused by repeated testing rather than a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In an experiment, the independent variable is the one that the investigator expects to cause changes in another variable. It is the factor that is deliberately manipulated or changed by the researcher to observe its effects on the dependent variable. The purpose of manipulating the independent variable is to study its impact on the outcome, allowing researchers to establish cause-and-effect relationships in their investigations. Choice A is incorrect because the independent variable is not influenced but rather influences another variable. Choice C is incorrect as the independent variable is intentionally manipulated by the researcher. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to a different concept unrelated to the independent variable in an experiment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the investigation of over 120,000 New York City births, babies born even 1 to 2 weeks early showed lower reading and math scores at a third-grade follow-up compared to children who experienced a full-length prenatal period. This suggests that being born slightly premature can have an impact on cognitive development, leading to educational challenges later on. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the study specifically highlighted lower reading and math scores, not a reduced likelihood of suffering from childhood obesity or neurological impairments, or improved language and social/emotional scores in early childhood.