Which state of arousal is considered the most fleeting?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Quiet alertness is indeed the most fleeting state of arousal. This state is characterized by a newborn infant being awake, calm, and attentive, but it is short-lived and transitions quickly to other states of arousal. Regular sleep, REM sleep, and drowsiness are not considered as brief and transitional as quiet alertness in newborn infants.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Newborn Mariana, who reacts strongly to unpleasant stimuli, is described as susceptible to colic. Colic is often characterized by excessive crying and fussiness in newborn babies, which can be challenging to console. This description suggests that Mariana's strong reactions to unpleasant stimuli may make her more prone to colic. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the strong reactions to unpleasant stimuli do not imply being easy to console, affect REM sleep, or responsiveness to swaddling.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The sense of smell in mammals, including humans, plays a crucial role in helping mothers and babies identify each other. This is important for initiating bonding and caregiving behaviors. Choice A is incorrect because the sense of smell is functional at birth and not entirely underdeveloped for several years. Choice C is incorrect as the sense of smell is actually well-developed at birth. Choice D is incorrect because the sense of smell is functional from birth and does not take several months to become adultlike.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Dr. Langley's work being focused on understanding constancy and change throughout the lifespan aligns with the field of developmental science, which studies how individuals grow and change from birth through old age. This field encompasses the study of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and other aspects of development across the lifespan. Choice A, genetics, primarily focuses on the study of genes, heredity, and genetic variation, which is not directly related to understanding constancy and change throughout the lifespan. Choice B, clinical psychology, concentrates on the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders rather than the broader study of development across the lifespan. Choice C, adolescent development, is more specific and limited in scope compared to the comprehensive study of development across the entire lifespan, which is the focus of developmental science.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The discontinuous view of development holds that infants and children have unique ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. This perspective suggests that development is not a continuous or smooth process, but rather occurs in distinct stages or phases marked by qualitative differences in abilities and behaviors. This contrasts with the idea that development is a gradual augmentation of skills present from the beginning (choice B) or that infants and preschoolers respond to the world in the same way as adults (choice A). Choice D is incorrect because the discontinuous view does not consider development as a smooth process limited by a lack of information and precision. Ultimately, the discontinuous view emphasizes the distinct and evolving nature of development across the lifespan.