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. What is a major strength of the longitudinal design?

• A. Examine relationships between early and later behaviors
• B. Collect a large amount of data in a short time span
• C. Explore similarities among children of different cohorts
• D. Study participants differing in age at the same point in time

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A major strength of the longitudinal design is that researchers can examine relationships between early and later behaviors. This design allows researchers to observe and track changes in the same participants over an extended period of time, providing valuable insights into developmental trajectories and how behaviors are connected across different stages of life. Choice B is incorrect because longitudinal studies track changes over time, not necessarily collect a large amount of data in a short time span. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to cross-sectional studies rather than longitudinal studies. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a cross-sectional design where participants of different ages are studied at the same time.

3. What is one strength of the cross-sectional design?

• A. It provides evidence about individual trends.
• B. It cannot be threatened by cohort effects.
• C. It is not plagued with dropout or practice effects.
• D. It permits longitudinal comparisons. Answer: C Page Ref: 34 Skill Level: Understand Topic: Studying Development Difficulty Level: Moderate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: One strength of the cross-sectional design is that it is not plagued with dropout or practice effects. This is because cross-sectional studies assess different individuals at the same point in time, eliminating the risk of participants dropping out or improving due to repeated measures.

4. Dr. O'Connor wants 90-year-old Mr. Takashi to participate in a research study that involves moderate risks. Mr. Takashi is incapable of consenting. Which statement best expresses your advice regarding Mr. Takashi's participation in the study?

• A. He should not be allowed to participate in the study under any circumstances.
• B. He should be allowed to participate in the study regardless of the benefit.
• C. He should be allowed to participate in the study only if his participation will benefit others.
• D. He should be allowed to participate in the study only if it is likely to benefit him directly.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Mr. Takashi should be allowed to participate in the study only if it is likely to benefit him directly. This decision aligns with the principle of beneficence in research ethics, which emphasizes maximizing benefits and minimizing risks for research participants. Since Mr. Takashi is incapable of giving consent, his participation should be based on the likelihood of direct benefits to him rather than solely for the benefit of others or solely for research purposes. Option A is too restrictive and does not consider potential benefits to Mr. Takashi. Option B is flawed as it disregards the need for the study to benefit Mr. Takashi. Option C focuses on benefiting others, which is not the primary consideration when the participant cannot give consent.

5. When faced with a problem, Sydney starts with a hypothesis, deduces testable inferences, and isolates and combines variables to see which inferences are confirmed. Sydney is in Piaget's __________ stage of development.

• A. sensorimotor
• B. preoperational
• C. concrete operational
• D. formal operational

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sydney's approach of starting with a hypothesis, deducing testable inferences, and isolating and combining variables to confirm inferences aligns with the characteristics of the formal operational stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development. This stage typically emerges during adolescence and is characterized by advanced logical thinking, abstract reasoning, and the ability to think systematically about all possible outcomes of a problem. Choice A, sensorimotor, is incorrect as it pertains to the stage where infants learn through sensory experiences and motor actions. Choice B, preoperational, is incorrect as it involves egocentrism and lack of conservation. Choice C, concrete operational, is incorrect as it focuses on operational thought and logical reasoning in concrete contexts.

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