Which country does not rank well on any key measure of children's health and well-being?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The United States is the correct answer as it ranks poorly in measures of children's health and well-being compared to other developed nations. According to the extract provided, the United States does not perform well in this aspect. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as there is no information provided suggesting that Sweden, Spain, or Australia do not rank well on key measures of children's health and well-being.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'any environmental agent that causes damage during the prenatal period.' A teratogen is any substance or factor that can cause harm to the developing fetus during pregnancy. Choice B is incorrect because it describes a critical period, not a teratogen. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to a specific period of development, not a teratogen. Choice D is incorrect because it describes a synthetic hormone, not a teratogen.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The information-processing perspective focuses on how individuals process, store, and retrieve information. Choice A, 'examines separate aspects of thinking,' accurately reflects this perspective. The other choices are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because the information-processing perspective does consider biological influences on cognitive development. Choice C is incorrect as this perspective is not limited to children in cultures with formal schooling. Choice D is incorrect as the information-processing perspective does not focus on overall cognitive change, but rather on the specific processes involved in information processing.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The formal operational stage in Piaget's theory is characterized by abstract reasoning, hypothetical thinking, and logical reasoning. This stage represents the most complex period of cognitive development according to Piaget. Choices A, B, and C refer to earlier stages in Piaget's theory and do not involve the level of abstract thinking and logical reasoning seen in the formal operational stage.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Development is best understood as a series of complex exchanges between nature (genetic factors) and nurture (environmental influences). This perspective emphasizes the interaction and interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental experiences in shaping an individual's development. Choices A and B are too extreme as they suggest that development is solely determined by genetics or solely influenced by the environment, which is not the case. Choice C is incorrect as development is not viewed as an unsolvable puzzle but rather as a dynamic process influenced by multiple factors.