Which of the following is a common criticism against Piaget's theory of cognitive development?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because one common criticism of Piaget's theory is that children often acquire cognitive abilities earlier than Piaget proposed. This criticism suggests that Piaget's stages might not be as fixed or rigid as he believed. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: A is a characteristic of Piaget's theory; B is not a common criticism, as research generally supports the existence of Piaget's stages; and C is inaccurate, as Piaget actually emphasized the importance of mental processes in cognitive development.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Recessive traits are expressed when an individual inherits two copies of the recessive gene, one from each parent. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A is incorrect as one copy of a recessive gene is not sufficient to display a recessive trait. Choice C is incorrect because having at least one copy of a dominant gene is unrelated to expressing a recessive trait. Choice D is incorrect because two copies of a recessive gene must come from both parents, not just one.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Gestational age. Gestational age is calculated from the first day of the expectant mother's last menstrual cycle, providing an estimate of how far along the pregnancy is. Mental age (choice A), refers to an individual's level of cognitive functioning in relation to others of the same age group. Chronological age (choice B) is a person's actual age in years. Functional age (choice C) refers to how well a person is able to perform various activities compared to their chronological age.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Teratogens are substances that can cause birth defects, especially if exposure occurs during critical periods of development. In this context, teratogens refer to external agents that can interfere with the development of the embryo or fetus, leading to structural or functional abnormalities. Choice B, Placenta, is incorrect as it is an organ that develops during pregnancy to provide nutrients and oxygen to the fetus and remove waste products. Choice C, Parturition, refers to the process of giving birth and is not related to substances that cause birth defects. Choice D, Androgens, are male sex hormones and are not associated with causing birth defects.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Pruning is the process of eliminating unused synapses in the brain. This process helps the brain to become more efficient by strengthening important connections and eliminating unnecessary ones. Choice B is incorrect because pruning is about eliminating synapses, not developing them. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the general concept of connections between neurons, not specifically about pruning. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the myelin sheath, which is responsible for rapid transmission of information along neurons, not pruning.