Nursing Elites

1. Central to Piaget's theory is the concept of __________.

• A. imitation
• B. adaptation
• C. self-efficacy
• D. scaffolding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Central to Piaget's theory is the concept of adaptation, which refers to the process by which individuals adjust to new information and experiences by modifying their existing cognitive structures. Piaget believed that this process of adaptation involved two key components: assimilation, where individuals incorporate new information into their existing schemas, and accommodation, where individuals adjust their schemas to fit new information. This concept highlights the dynamic nature of cognitive development and the importance of interaction between individuals and their environment in shaping intellectual growth. Choice A, 'imitation,' is incorrect as Piaget's theory focuses on how individuals actively construct their understanding of the world through their interactions with it, rather than simply imitating others. Choice C, 'self-efficacy,' is not the central concept in Piaget's theory; self-efficacy is a concept from Bandura's social cognitive theory. Choice D, 'scaffolding,' is associated with Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, not Piaget's theory.

2. Which major theory of human development emphasizes plasticity at all ages?

• A. psychoanalytic perspective
• B. ethology
• C. evolutionary developmental psychology
• D. lifespan perspective

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the lifespan perspective. This perspective underscores the idea that individuals have the capacity for growth and change at any age, highlighting plasticity throughout the lifespan. It acknowledges the continuous development and adaptability of individuals to various experiences and factors. Choice A, the psychoanalytic perspective, focuses more on unconscious processes and early childhood experiences. Choice B, ethology, emphasizes the study of animal behavior in natural environments. Choice C, evolutionary developmental psychology, examines how evolutionary principles influence human development but does not specifically focus on plasticity at all ages.

3. Although great diversity characterizes the interests and concerns of investigators who study development, they share a single goal: to identify __________.

• A. genetic factors that contribute to longevity
• B. environmental factors that contribute to disease and illness
• C. those factors that lead to abnormal development in children and adolescents
• D. those factors that influence consistencies and transformations in people from conception to death

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because investigators who study development aim to identify the factors that influence consistencies and transformations in people from conception to death. This goal encompasses various domains such as physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, highlighting the comprehensive nature of developmental research. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the overarching goal of developmental researchers, which is to understand the factors influencing individuals throughout their lifespan, rather than focusing solely on genetic factors, environmental factors related to disease, or abnormal development in specific age groups.

4. 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.

5. According to Erikson, when parents are over- or undercontrolling, the outcome is a child who __________.

• A. feels forced and shamed
• B. acts competently on his own
• C. asserts his independence
• D. feels self-confident

Correct answer: A

Rationale: According to Erikson, when parents are over- or undercontrolling, the outcome is a child who feels forced and shamed. This is because overly controlling parents can make the child feel inadequate, leading to a sense of shame and doubt. Choice B, 'acts competently on his own,' is incorrect because overcontrolling parents hinder the child's ability to act independently. Choice C, 'asserts his independence,' is incorrect because overcontrolling parents can actually suppress the child's independence. Choice D, 'feels self-confident,' is incorrect because overcontrolling parenting can undermine the child's confidence and lead to feelings of inadequacy.

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