Nursing Elites

1. Alison believes that individuals learn to be either aggressive or nonaggressive as a result of the experiences they have. Alison's views are most consistent with which view in psychology?

• A. Behaviorist view of psychology.
• B. Structuralist view of psychology.
• C. Functionalist view of psychology.
• D. Psychoanalytic view of psychology.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Alison's belief that individuals learn to be either aggressive or nonaggressive as a result of their experiences aligns with the Behaviorist view of psychology. Behaviorism focuses on how behavior is learned through interactions with the environment, emphasizing the role of experience in shaping behavior. The other options are not directly related to the idea that behavior is learned through experiences: Structuralism focuses on the structure of conscious experience, Functionalism emphasizes the purpose of behavior, and Psychoanalytic theory focuses on the role of unconscious processes.

2. William James, who was a pioneer in the development of functionalism, was most heavily influenced by?

• A. Charles Darwin.
• B. Sigmund Freud.
• C. John Watson.
• D. B.F. Skinner.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: William James was heavily influenced by Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, which shaped his functionalist views on psychology. This influence is evident in James's emphasis on adaptation, survival, and the functional purposes of behavior. Choice B, Sigmund Freud, is incorrect because Freud's psychoanalytic theory focused on unconscious processes and childhood experiences, which differ significantly from James's functionalism. Choice C, John Watson, is incorrect as Watson was a behaviorist who emphasized observable behavior and rejected mental processes, which contrasts with James's focus on mental processes. Choice D, B.F. Skinner, is also incorrect as Skinner was a behaviorist known for his work on operant conditioning, which is not directly aligned with James's functionalist perspective.

3. Dana's mother suffers from serious depressive episodes. Dana is likely to ________.

• A. be at risk for depression herself.
• B. become a happy-go-lucky child due to having to cope with so much.
• C. act in an aggressive, criminal manner.
• D. have intense attachments to her mother.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a family member, especially a parent, suffers from serious depressive episodes, it can increase the risk of depression in other family members, including children. Therefore, in this situation, Dana is likely to be at risk for depression herself. Choice B is incorrect because experiencing a parent's depression does not necessarily lead to becoming a happy-go-lucky child; it can have serious emotional implications. Choice C is incorrect as there is no direct link between a parent's depression and a child acting in an aggressive, criminal manner. Choice D may seem plausible, but it is not the most likely outcome in this scenario.

4. Genes ________

• A. determine how a person will behave.
• B. cause people to develop mental disorders.
• C. determine what characteristics a person will have.
• D. determine the range of characteristics a person has.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Genes determine the range of characteristics a person has. Choice A is incorrect because genes do not solely determine behavior, as behavior is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Choice B is incorrect because while genes can contribute to the risk of developing mental disorders, they do not directly cause them. Choice C is incorrect as genes contribute to but do not solely determine all characteristics a person will have.

5. Why is it difficult to determine the nature of the relationship between divorce and the psychological functioning of family members?

• A. Cause and effect cannot be determined as preexisting behavioral abnormalities in either the parents or the children may make divorce more likely.
• B. The findings have been too inconsistent to draw any conclusions.
• C. While the effects of divorce are negative on children, the effects on the spouses are generally positive.
• D. Due to modern acceptance of divorce, there has been an ongoing decrease in the negative effects of divorce.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it highlights a crucial factor that makes it challenging to establish a clear cause and effect relationship between divorce and the psychological functioning of family members. Preexisting behavioral abnormalities in either the parents or the children may influence both the likelihood of divorce and the psychological functioning of family members. Choice B is incorrect as it generalizes the findings without specifying the key issue of preexisting conditions. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the effects of divorce on family members. Choice D is incorrect as it presents a broad statement without addressing the complexities involved in determining the effects of divorce.

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