When trying to soothe a crying baby, what technique do Western parents typically attempt first?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When Western parents aim to soothe a crying baby, the technique they usually try first is lifting the baby to the shoulder and rocking or walking. This method is effective because the motion and closeness provided by rocking or walking can help calm the baby and offer comfort. Choice A is incorrect as massaging the baby's body is not typically the first technique used. Choice B is incorrect as offering a pacifier and a receiving blanket may be tried after lifting the baby to the shoulder. Choice C is also incorrect as playing recorded sounds is usually not the initial technique attempted.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Unlike adults, newborn babies see nearby objects most clearly. This is due to the fact that newborns have a limited ability to focus their eyes on objects that are farther away. Their visual acuity is not fully developed at birth, leading to clearer vision of objects situated at a close distance. Choice A is incorrect because newborn babies have a well-developed sense of smell. Choice C is incorrect as newborns typically show a preference for familiar voices, such as their mother's voice. Choice D is incorrect as newborns do not see unclearly across a wide range of distances; rather, their vision is clearer for nearby objects.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A theory of development describes, explains, and predicts behavior. It provides a framework for understanding how individuals grow and change over time. The purpose of a theory is not to illustrate ultimate truth or explain all aspects of human growth, but rather to help researchers and practitioners make sense of and predict human behavior. Theories are expected to be tested and refined through scientific verification. Choice A is incorrect because theories do not necessarily illustrate ultimate truth. Choice C is incorrect as theories focus on behavior and development, not all aspects of human growth. Choice D is incorrect because scientific verification is essential for theories to be valid and reliable.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Tammy's father likely believes that athletic ability is mostly determined by nature because he believes she showed great promise at a young age, indicating a natural talent or genetic predisposition towards gymnastics. This suggests that he attributes Tammy's abilities to her inherent qualities rather than her upbringing or experiences (nurture). While stages and early experiences can play a role in skill development, in this context, the emphasis is on innate abilities, making 'nature' the most suitable choice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The lifespan perspective on human development assumes that development is multidimensional and multidirectional. This means that development occurs in various domains (such as physical, cognitive, and psychosocial) and can involve gains and losses as individuals age. This perspective recognizes that human development is complex and dynamic, involving various factors and pathways over the course of a person's life. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because human development is not static and stable (A), can involve both continuous and discontinuous changes (C), and is influenced by a combination of heredity and environment rather than solely by heredity (D).