Nursing Elites

1. A theory of development __________.

• A. illustrates the ultimate truth about human behavior
• B. describes, explains, and predicts behavior
• C. explains all aspects of human growth
• D. does not require scientific verification

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A theory of development describes, explains, and predicts behavior. It provides a framework for understanding how individuals grow and change over time. The purpose of a theory is not to illustrate ultimate truth or explain all aspects of human growth, but rather to help researchers and practitioners make sense of and predict human behavior. Theories are expected to be tested and refined through scientific verification. Choice A is incorrect because theories do not necessarily illustrate ultimate truth. Choice C is incorrect as theories focus on behavior and development, not all aspects of human growth. Choice D is incorrect because scientific verification is essential for theories to be valid and reliable.

2. Dr. Rizvi studies the relationship between changes in the brain and the developing person's cognitive processing and behavior patterns. She is part of a group of researchers from the fields of psychology, biology, neuroscience, and medicine. This approach to development is known as __________.

• A. behaviorism
• B. cognitive-development theory
• C. the information-processing approach
• D. developmental cognitive neuroscience

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dr. Rizvi's approach to development, involving studying the relationship between changes in the brain and cognitive processing and behavior patterns, aligns with developmental cognitive neuroscience. This field combines research from various disciplines to understand how brain development influences cognitive processes and behaviors. Choice A, behaviorism, focuses on observable behaviors influenced by external stimuli. Choice B, cognitive-development theory, emphasizes cognitive growth stages. Choice C, the information-processing approach, centers on how individuals perceive, store, and retrieve information.

3. Dr. Kostel believes that development takes place in stages. This belief is consistent with the __________ perspective.

• A. nurture
• B. continuous
• C. discontinuous
• D. nature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dr. Kostel's belief in stage-based development aligns with the discontinuous perspective, which sees development as a series of distinct stages. The continuous perspective (choice B) suggests development as a smooth and gradual process without distinct stages. The nature perspective (choice D) focuses on genetic and hereditary influences on development. The nurture perspective (choice A) emphasizes the impact of environment and upbringing on development, which is not directly related to the belief in stage-based development.

4. Theorists who emphasize plasticity believe that __________.

• A. change in response to influential experiences is possible
• B. heredity, rather than the environment, influences behavior
• C. individuals who are high in anxiety as children will remain so at later ages
• D. early experiences establish a lifelong pattern of behavior

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Theorists who emphasize plasticity believe that change in response to influential experiences is possible. They argue that individuals have the capacity to adapt and change their behavior based on their experiences, rather than being limited by genetic predispositions or early childhood experiences. This perspective highlights the importance of environmental influences in shaping behavior and development. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the concept of plasticity, which emphasizes the flexibility and adaptability of individuals in response to their experiences, rather than being fixed by heredity, childhood traits, or early experiences.

5. Dr. Bigelow is interested in studying musical prodigies. Which method is best suited for this type of research?

• A. naturalistic observation
• B. clinical interview
• C. case study
• D. structured interview

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A case study would be the best method for Dr. Bigelow to study musical prodigies. In a case study, the researcher can closely examine and analyze the unique characteristics, abilities, and behaviors of individual subjects. This method allows for in-depth exploration of a specific phenomenon, making it ideal for investigating exceptional cases such as musical prodigies. Naturalistic observation involves observing subjects in their natural environment without interference, which may not provide the detailed insights needed for studying musical prodigies. Clinical interviews focus on gathering information through structured questioning, not ideal for studying unique talents. Structured interviews involve asking a set of predetermined questions, which may not allow for the depth of exploration required for studying musical prodigies.

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