Nursing Elites

1. According to operant conditioning theory, __________.

• A. the frequency of a behavior can be increased through punishment, such as disapproval
• B. normal development must be understood in relation to each culture's life situation
• C. the id develops as parents insist that children conform to the values of society
• D. the frequency of a behavior can be increased by following it with a wide variety of reinforcers

Correct answer: D

Rationale: According to operant conditioning theory, the frequency of a behavior can be increased by following it with a wide variety of reinforcers. In operant conditioning, behaviors are shaped through reinforcement, which can be positive (rewarding) or negative (removal of something unpleasant). By providing reinforcement following a behavior, the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future is increased. This supports the notion that the frequency of a behavior can be increased by using reinforcers in operant conditioning. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because operant conditioning focuses on the relationship between behavior and its consequences through reinforcement (positive or negative) to increase the likelihood of the behavior recurring, rather than punishment, cultural influences, or the development of the id based on societal values.

2. Dr. McBride wants to know if the teacher's use of encouragement in the classroom affects the children's self-esteem. To assign children to treatment conditions, Dr. McBride should __________.

• A. carefully distribute the children according to their test scores
• B. divide the children so each group has an equal number of boys and girls
• C. draw the children's names out of a hat
• D. assign the quieter children to the same treatment condition

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Drawing the children's names out of a hat is a way to randomly assign them to treatment conditions. Random assignment helps to ensure that any differences in self-esteem that may be observed in the study are not due to pre-existing characteristics of the children. This method helps to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the teacher's use of encouragement and the children's self-esteem. Choice A is incorrect because assigning children based on test scores may introduce bias into the study. Choice B is incorrect as balancing gender is not relevant to the research question. Choice D is incorrect as it introduces a bias by selecting a specific group of children based on a characteristic unrelated to the study objective.

3. __________ emerges early prenatally and is well-developed at birth.

• A. Visual acuity
• B. Color vision
• C. Depth perception
• D. Sensitivity to touch

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sensitivity to touch emerges early prenatally and is well-developed at birth. Newborn babies have a well-developed sense of touch, which is crucial for bonding with their caregivers and exploring their environment. This sensitivity to touch helps babies respond to comforting sensations such as gentle strokes and cuddles. Visual acuity, color vision, and depth perception are sensory capabilities that develop and mature after birth, not prenatally. While important for interacting with the environment, they are not as well-developed at birth as sensitivity to touch.

4. A __________ is a means of building schemes in which an infant who has stumbled onto a new experience caused by his or her own motor activity tries to repeat the event again and again.

• A. sensorimotor reflex
• B. circular reaction
• C. mental representation
• D. goal-directed behavior

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A circular reaction is a process where an infant repeats a specific action to explore and learn about the environment through their own motor activity. This repetition helps the infant to understand the consequences of their actions and build cognitive schemes. Sensorimotor reflex (choice A) refers to automatic responses to stimuli, not a purposeful repetition of actions to learn. Mental representation (choice C) involves internal cognitive structures to represent objects or events in the mind, which is different from the repetitive behavior described in the question. Goal-directed behavior (choice D) is purposeful and intentional, unlike the repetitive nature of circular reactions in infants' learning process.

5. During her pregnancy, Padma increased her intake of coffee and tea. Her doctor is likely to tell her that high doses of caffeine contained in coffee and tea increase the risk of __________.

• A. premature labor
• B. limb deformities
• C. respiratory distress at birth
• D. low birth weight Answer: D Page Ref: 83 Skill Level: Apply known or suspected teratogens. Topic: Prenatal Environmental Influences Difficulty Level: Difficult

Correct answer: D

Rationale: High doses of caffeine contained in coffee and tea have been linked to an increased risk of low birth weight. Consuming large amounts of caffeine during pregnancy can interfere with the baby's growth and development, leading to a lower birth weight than expected. It is important for pregnant women to limit their caffeine intake to reduce the risk of complications such as low birth weight.

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