Which major theory of human development emphasizes plasticity at all ages?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the lifespan perspective. This perspective underscores the idea that individuals have the capacity for growth and change at any age, highlighting plasticity throughout the lifespan. It acknowledges the continuous development and adaptability of individuals to various experiences and factors. Choice A, the psychoanalytic perspective, focuses more on unconscious processes and early childhood experiences. Choice B, ethology, emphasizes the study of animal behavior in natural environments. Choice C, evolutionary developmental psychology, examines how evolutionary principles influence human development but does not specifically focus on plasticity at all ages.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Structured interviews do not yield the same depth of information as a clinical interview because they involve a set of standardized questions that are asked in the same way to all participants. This lack of flexibility may limit the depth and richness of the responses obtained compared to a more open-ended clinical interview. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because structured interviews are not flexible in question phrasing, do not necessarily bring together a wide range of information on one person, and can provide insights into participants' reasoning behind responses depending on the design of the structured questions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ethnographic research is directed toward understanding a culture through participant observation. This type of observation involves the researcher immersing themselves in the culture being studied, actively participating in the daily activities and interactions of the group being studied. Through participant observation, researchers can gain a deep and nuanced understanding of the culture from the inside. Choice A, naturalistic observation, typically refers to observing subjects in their natural environment without interference, but it does not involve actively participating in the culture. Choice C, systematic observation, focuses on carefully planned and structured data collection methods but may not involve direct participation. Choice D, structured observation, implies a predefined set of guidelines for observation but lacks the immersive aspect of participant observation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: According to the information provided in the text box 'CULTURAL INFLUENCES: Immigrant Youths: Adapting to a New Land' on page 32, students who are foreign-born or first-generation Americans often achieve in school as well as or better than students of native-born parents. This implies that they excel academically despite facing challenges related to cultural adaptation and assimilation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the provided information specifically highlights the academic achievement of foreign-born or first-generation American students compared to students of native-born parents, not their likelihood of committing delinquent acts, obesity rates, or self-esteem levels.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: An experimental design permits inferences about cause and effect because researchers evenhandedly assign people to treatment conditions. This means that researchers can manipulate certain variables and observe the effects on participants, allowing them to determine causation between variables. This is a key strength of experimental research designs. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the primary purpose or strength of experimental designs. Experimental designs do not focus on gathering information in natural life circumstances (A), looking at relationships between characteristics and behavior (B), or have the limitation of not being able to infer cause and effect (D).