Which statement about prenatal marijuana exposure is true?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'It is linked to impulsivity and overactivity.' Prenatal marijuana exposure has been associated with impulsivity and overactivity in children based on research findings. However, lasting consequences of prenatal marijuana exposure are not as well-established compared to other teratogens. Choice B is incorrect because lasting consequences are not firmly established. Choice C is incorrect because studies have shown negative effects of prenatal marijuana exposure. Choice D is incorrect as prenatal marijuana exposure is not primarily linked to physical malformations.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Self-reports can range from relatively unstructured interviews to highly structured interviews, questionnaires, and tests. This variety allows researchers to collect information from participants in different ways, depending on the research goals and the type of information being sought. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the range and flexibility of self-reports as outlined in the field of research methodology.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Lanugo helps the vernix stick to the skin. Vernix is a waxy substance that covers the fetus's skin during pregnancy. Lanugo is a fine, downy hair that helps to anchor the vernix to the skin, providing protection and nourishment to the developing fetus. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the role of lanugo in prenatal development.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: High levels of prenatal lead exposure are related to low birth weight and brain damage. Lead exposure during pregnancy can have harmful effects on the developing fetus, leading to complications such as decreased birth weight and potential long-term brain damage. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not directly correlate with the known effects of prenatal lead exposure. While lead exposure can indeed cause a variety of health issues, such as heart defects and urinary tract problems, the primary concerns related to prenatal exposure are low birth weight and brain damage.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the investigation of over 120,000 New York City births, babies born even 1 to 2 weeks early showed lower reading and math scores at a third-grade follow-up compared to children who experienced a full-length prenatal period. This suggests that being born slightly premature can have an impact on cognitive development, leading to educational challenges later on. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the study specifically highlighted lower reading and math scores, not a reduced likelihood of suffering from childhood obesity or neurological impairments, or improved language and social/emotional scores in early childhood.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Theorists who emphasize stability argue that powerful negative events early in life cannot be completely overcome by later, more positive experiences. They believe that early experiences have a lasting impact on development and are not easily erased or reversed by subsequent events. This perspective contrasts with the idea of plasticity, which suggests that development can be influenced by experiences at any point in life, and that individuals have the capacity for change and growth throughout the lifespan. 'Nurture' does not directly address the concept of overcoming negative events, while 'discontinuity' refers to developmental stages being separate and distinct, not the idea that negative events early in life persist despite later positive experiences.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ecological systems theory views the person as developing within a complex system of relationships affected by multiple levels of the surrounding environment. This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals with their social and physical environment, recognizing that development is influenced by various factors interacting at different levels of the ecological system. Choice A is incorrect because it describes a genetically determined development process, which is not the focus of ecological systems theory. Choice C is incorrect because it highlights observational learning as the primary influence on development, neglecting the broader environmental factors. Choice D is incorrect as it compares the person to a computer system, which does not align with the principles of ecological systems theory.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the eighth month of pregnancy, lanugo typically is shed. Lanugo is the fine, downy hair that covers a fetus's body to help regulate body temperature while in the womb. By the eighth month, many fetuses shed this hair as they prepare for birth. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because fetal growth doubling, neuron production increasing, and the formation of eyes, ears, nose, jaw, and neck occur in earlier stages of pregnancy, not specifically in the eighth month.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The criticism that the information-processing approach ignores transformation in adulthood, concluding that no major cognitive changes occur after adolescence, suggests a limitation of the theory in not fully acknowledging that cognitive development continues throughout the lifespan. This criticism highlights a potential drawback of the approach in terms of its understanding of cognitive changes beyond adolescence. Choice A is incorrect because the criticism is not about underestimating the individual's contribution. Choice C is also incorrect as the criticism is not related to age-specific competencies. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on a different aspect of the information-processing approach.