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Multiple Choice
Which hypothesis in developmental psychology predicts the presence of a cohort effect?
A
The maturation hypothesis
B
The critical period hypothesis
C
The cohort hypothesis
D
The continuity hypothesis
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand what a cohort effect is. In developmental psychology, a cohort effect refers to differences among individuals that arise from the unique experiences of a particular generation or group born around the same time.
Step 2: Review each hypothesis option to see which one involves generational or group-based differences. The maturation hypothesis focuses on biological growth, the critical period hypothesis emphasizes specific time windows for development, and the continuity hypothesis deals with gradual development over time.
Step 3: Recognize that the cohort hypothesis specifically addresses how being part of a particular cohort (group born in the same period) influences development, which directly predicts the presence of cohort effects.
Step 4: Conclude that the cohort hypothesis is the one that predicts cohort effects because it accounts for the impact of historical and social contexts unique to each generation on development.
Step 5: Summarize that understanding the cohort hypothesis helps explain why people from different generations may show different developmental outcomes due to their unique experiences.