In developmental psychology, children's taste preferences are likely to be which of the following?

• A. A preference for spicy foods over sweet foods
• B. A strong preference for bitter and sour foods
• C. A preference for sweet and mild flavors over bitter or spicy foods
• D. No particular preference; children enjoy all flavors equally

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in developmental psychology, children's taste preferences are studied to see how they respond to different flavors as they grow.
2. Recognize that children generally have a biological predisposition to prefer certain tastes, which is linked to evolutionary factors such as energy needs and safety.
3. Recall that sweet and mild flavors are often preferred by children because sweetness signals energy-rich foods, while bitter and sour flavors can indicate potential toxins or spoilage.
4. Note that spicy foods are usually less preferred by children because they can cause discomfort or irritation, which children tend to avoid.
5. Conclude that the typical pattern observed is that children prefer sweet and mild flavors over bitter or spicy foods, which aligns with the correct answer choice.