Which of the following statements about social referencing is true?

Group of answer choices

A. A human face is more effective than a vocal expression in guiding a baby's behavior.

B. Mothers are more effective sources of emotional information than fathers.

C. A caregiver's emotional expression has no influence on stranger anxiety.

D. An adult's voice is more effective than a facial expression in guiding a baby's behavior.

The correct option is D. An adult's voice is more effective than a facial expression in guiding a baby's behavior.

Explanation:

Social referencing occurs when infants pay attention to adults and their affective displays tow regulate their own behaviors and understanding of the world.

Studies have shown babies are not differently affected by signals from fathers and mothers. That is, mothers are not more effective sources of emotional information. We can eliminate letter B.

A caregiver's expression has influence on stranger anxiety. Babies do not use only their own father or mother for referencing. Therefore, letter C is eliminated.

We are left with options A and D. Studies have shown that voice-only or voice-plus-face conditions are more effective than a face-only condition. The most famous experience has a translucent glass simulating a cliff between a baby and its parent. When parents encouraged their children to cross the glass while using only their voices or their voices and facial expressions, babies crossed much faster. Thus, facial expressions, even though important, are less effective in guiding a baby's behavior. The correct option is, therefore, letter D.