According to current research in developmental psychology, experiences early in life are best described as:

• A. completely unimportant and have no effect on later development
• B. irreversible, meaning any negative effects cannot be changed by later experiences
• C. important, but later experiences and ongoing development also play significant roles throughout the lifespan
• D. the sole determinants of all future psychological outcomes

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of developmental psychology, which studies how people grow and change throughout their lifespan, including the impact of early life experiences.
2. Recognize that early experiences are influential but not the only factors shaping development; later experiences and ongoing development also contribute significantly.
3. Consider the idea of plasticity in development, which means that individuals can change and adapt over time, so early negative effects are not necessarily irreversible.
4. Evaluate the options given: early experiences are neither completely unimportant nor the sole determinants of future outcomes, and their effects are not strictly irreversible.
5. Conclude that the best description is that early experiences are important, but later experiences and ongoing development also play significant roles throughout the lifespan.