Nursing Elites

1. 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.

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. Depression __________.

• A. declines with age
• B. responds to treatment that is completely covered by Medicare
• C. is rarely related to physical illness or pain
• D. can lead to cognitive deterioration

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'can lead to cognitive deterioration.' Depression, particularly in older adults, can significantly impair cognitive function, leading to further mental health challenges. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Depression does not necessarily decline with age, treatment coverage may vary, and depression can indeed be related to physical illness or pain.

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. What is a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research?

• A. Age-related changes cannot be examined.
• B. Participants often drop out before the study is over.
• C. Factors affecting individual development cannot be explored.
• D. Practice effects often cause biased findings.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: One major disadvantage of cross-sectional research is that factors affecting individual development cannot be explored thoroughly. Cross-sectional research involves comparing different groups of people at one specific point in time, and does not allow for tracking individual changes over time. This limitation means that the unique influences and trajectories of individual development may be overlooked in cross-sectional studies. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is not a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research as age-related changes can still be compared across different groups in this type of study. Choice B, while a potential issue in any study, is not specific to cross-sectional research. Choice D refers to a different type of bias caused by repeated testing rather than a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research.

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