One reason that the psychoanalytic perspective is no longer in the mainstream of child development research is because
A) many psychoanalytic ideas, such as ego functioning, are too vague to be tested empirically.
B) psychoanalytic theorists accept the clinical method in which age-related averages represent typical development.
C) modern researchers have demonstrated that personality development does not take place in stages.
D) it failed to consider the early parent-child relationship, which is central to modern theories.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

One reason that the psychoanalytic perspective is no longer in the mainstream of child development research is because many psychoanalytic ideas, such as ego functioning, are too vague to be tested empirically. This lack of empirical evidence makes it difficult for psychoanalytic theories to be validated or rejected.

Answer: D 
 Another reason that the psychoanalytic perspective is no longer in the mainstream of child development research is because it failed to consider the early parent-child relationship, which is central to modern theories. Modern research indicates that early relationships and experiences greatly impact child development, and many contemporary theories focus heavily on the role of caregivers in shaping children's development.

One Reason That the Psychoanalytic Perspective Is No Longer in the Mainstream