In the context of diagnosing psychological disorders, a man who a mother claims has parented a child is referred to as a(n):

• A. legal guardian
• B. stepfather
• C. alleged father
• D. biological uncle

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of the question, which is about terminology used in psychological or legal settings when identifying a man who is claimed by a mother to be the father of a child.
2. Review each option carefully: 'legal guardian' refers to someone legally responsible for a child but not necessarily the biological father; 'stepfather' is a man married to the child's mother but not the biological father; 'biological uncle' is the mother's or father's brother, not the father himself.
3. Focus on the term 'alleged father,' which is commonly used in legal and psychological contexts to describe a man who is claimed to be the father but whose paternity has not been legally or biologically confirmed.
4. Recognize that 'alleged father' is the correct term because it specifically addresses the uncertainty or claim regarding paternity, which is important in diagnosis, custody, and legal matters.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is 'alleged father' as it best fits the description of a man a mother claims has parented a child without confirmed biological or legal status.