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. An experimental design __________.

• A. allows researchers to gather information in natural life circumstances without altering the participants' experiences
• B. looks at relationships between participants' characteristics and their behavior or development
• C. permits inferences about cause and effect because researchers evenhandedly assign people to treatment conditions
• D. has one major limitation: researchers cannot infer cause and effect

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An experimental design permits inferences about cause and effect because researchers evenhandedly assign people to treatment conditions. This means that researchers can manipulate certain variables and observe the effects on participants, allowing them to determine causation between variables. This is a key strength of experimental research designs. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the primary purpose or strength of experimental designs. Experimental designs do not focus on gathering information in natural life circumstances (A), looking at relationships between characteristics and behavior (B), or have the limitation of not being able to infer cause and effect (D).

3. What is a major strength of the clinical interview?

• A. Makes comparing individuals' responses very easy
• B. Can provide a large amount of information in a fairly brief period
• C. Is directed toward understanding a culture or distinct social group
• D. Allows researchers to see the behavior of interest as it occurs in natural settings

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The major strength of the clinical interview is that it can provide a large amount of information in a fairly brief period. This allows researchers to gather detailed data about an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors efficiently. Choice A is incorrect because the clinical interview focuses on gathering information from individuals rather than comparing their responses. Choice C is incorrect as clinical interviews are primarily aimed at understanding individuals rather than cultures or social groups. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a strength of naturalistic observations, not clinical interviews.

4. Which of the following best describes a sequential design?

• A. Does not address diversity in developmental outcomes.
• B. Permits researchers to check if cohort effects are operating.
• C. Is less efficient than a longitudinal design.
• D. Makes cross-sectional, but not longitudinal, comparisons.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A sequential design permits researchers to check if cohort effects are operating. This design involves combining cross-sectional and longitudinal research, allowing for the comparison of different cohorts at different ages. By using this approach, researchers can determine if developmental changes observed are due to age or generation-specific factors. Therefore, a sequential design is valuable in addressing the potential influence of cohort effects on developmental outcomes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a sequential design does not neglect diversity in developmental outcomes, is not necessarily less efficient than a longitudinal design, and can make both cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons.

5. Piaget's _________ stage is the most complex period of development.

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The formal operational stage in Piaget's theory is characterized by abstract reasoning, hypothetical thinking, and logical reasoning. This stage represents the most complex period of cognitive development according to Piaget. Choices A, B, and C refer to earlier stages in Piaget's theory and do not involve the level of abstract thinking and logical reasoning seen in the formal operational stage.

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