Which factor fosters a more positive, coherent early self-concept?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A warm, sensitive parent-child relationship is crucial in fostering a positive and coherent early self-concept in children. This type of relationship provides support, security, and emotional guidance, helping children develop a strong sense of self-worth and self-identity. Permissive parenting (Choice A) may lead to confusion and inconsistency in discipline, impacting the child's self-concept negatively. Authoritarian parenting (Choice C), characterized by strict rules and a lack of warmth, can result in a child feeling insecure and having a negative self-concept. Strong identification with an other-sex parent (Choice D) may influence gender identity development but may not directly impact the early self-concept in the same way a warm and sensitive parent-child relationship does.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: During adolescence, individuals start to rely more on feedback from close friends to develop their self-concept. Close friends play a significant role during this transitional period as they provide peer validation, support, and influence. Family members, although important, may not hold the same level of influence on self-concept during adolescence as close friends do. Younger children are unlikely to provide the necessary feedback and validation needed during this developmental stage. While self-reflection and understanding the inner self are vital for personal growth, during adolescence, external feedback from close friends tends to have a more pronounced impact on shaping self-concept.

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.