Dr. Matsuko's major research interest is the long-term effects of child-rearing practices on the psychological adjustment of offspring. It is most likely that Dr. Matsuko is a(n) _____ psychologist.

Dr. Matsuko's research focus on the long-term effects of child-rearing practices on the psychological adjustment of offspring aligns closely with the field of developmental psychology. This branch of psychology specifically examines the changes and influences that occur throughout the lifespan, particularly during childhood, when foundational skills, behaviors, and emotional regulation develop.

Developmental psychologists study various aspects of growth, including social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development, and they explore how these areas interact with different environmental factors, such as parenting styles. By investigating how child-rearing practices impact offspring over time, Dr. Matsuko is contributing to our understanding of psychological development and adjustment in relation to early life experiences, which is central to developmental psychology.

In contrast, cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes like thinking, memory, and problem-solving but does not specifically address the influence of parenting. Biological psychology examines the physiological and genetic basis of behavior, while psychodynamic psychology emphasizes unconscious processes and early experiences, often in a therapeutic context rather than broad research into long-term effects like those Dr. Matsuko is studying.