ATI RN

1. What increases from early to middle adulthood?

• A. Possible selves
• B. Self-doubt
• C. Destructiveness
• D. Autonomy

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Possible selves are ideas about what one might become in the future, which increase during the transition from early to middle adulthood. This period is characterized by individuals exploring and considering different potential future selves. Self-doubt (choice B) typically decreases as individuals become more confident and self-assured in middle adulthood. Destructiveness (choice C) is not a common developmental trend during this period. Autonomy (choice D) is a concept related to independence and self-governance, which may develop over a person's lifespan but does not specifically increase during the transition from early to middle adulthood.

2. Today, Albert Bandura's theory stresses the importance of __________.

• A. behavior modification
• B. punishment
• C. cognition
• D. reinforcement

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Albert Bandura's theory emphasizes the role of cognition in learning through observation. It highlights the significance of mental processes such as attention, memory, and motivation in shaping behavior. Choice A, behavior modification, focuses more on changing specific behaviors through various techniques. Choice B, punishment, involves the application of negative consequences to reduce the likelihood of a behavior occurring. Choice D, reinforcement, centers on the use of rewards or punishments to increase or decrease the probability of a behavior.

3. Most cognitive aging research has focused on intellectual ________.

• A. stability
• B. gains
• C. competence
• D. deficits

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: deficits.' Most cognitive aging research has indeed focused on deficits rather than stability, gains, or competence. Studies have consistently shown that deficits in processing speed and memory are common in aging individuals, making it a primary area of interest in research. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because cognitive aging research primarily aims to understand and address deficits associated with aging rather than focusing on stability, gains, or overall competence.

4. The influence of situational factors on moral judgments indicates that like Piaget's cognitive stages, Kohlberg's moral stages are __________.

• A. predictable and universal
• B. highly organized and sequential
• C. attained in a neat, stepwise fashion
• D. loosely organized and overlapping

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Kohlberg's moral stages are not strictly sequential but rather overlap and are more fluid, much like Piaget's cognitive stages. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because Kohlberg's stages do not follow a neat, predictable, or highly organized pattern, as they can be revisited and experienced in varying orders.

5. The negative outcome of Erikson's midlife stage, stagnation, focuses on __________.

• A. role confusion
• B. selflessness
• C. self-indulgence
• D. guilt and shame

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'self-indulgence'. Stagnation in Erikson's midlife stage refers to a lack of growth and self-indulgence, leading to a feeling of unproductiveness. This contrasts with 'role confusion' (A), which is associated with Erikson's adolescence stage, 'selflessness' (B) which is a positive trait, and 'guilt and shame' (D) which are emotions typically associated with earlier stages of development.