Why do young infants usually cry?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Young infants usually cry because of physical needs such as hunger, discomfort, or needing to be changed. It is their way of communicating these needs to their caregivers as they are unable to do so in any other way. Choice A is incorrect because infants cry primarily to communicate physical needs, not because they are bored. Choice B is incorrect because the tone of the cry is not the reason why infants cry. Choice D is incorrect because infants cry for various physical needs, not necessarily all night long.

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.

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.