Nursing Elites

1. In a discussion with your professor, she tells you that she believes that the focus of psychological study should be to break the conscious experience into its basic elements. Which of the following historical schools of thought is your professor's idea most consistent with?

• A. Behaviorism
• B. Functionalism
• C. Structuralism
• D. Psychoanalysis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Structuralism. Structuralism, as introduced by Wundt, aimed to break down mental processes into their most basic elements. This aligns with the idea of breaking the conscious experience into its fundamental components. Choice A, Behaviorism, focuses on observable behavior and not on breaking down conscious experience. Choice B, Functionalism, emphasizes the purpose of behavior rather than breaking it down into basic elements. Choice D, Psychoanalysis, delves into unconscious processes and conflicts, which is different from breaking down conscious experiences into basic elements.

2. In an experiment, the investigators manipulate variables to learn how one affects another.?

• A. A data-collection method in which participants respond to questions
• B. The entire group that is of interest to a researcher
• C. A detailed description of a single culture or context
• D. A study that tests a causal hypothesis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because in an experimental design, investigators manipulate variables to determine the effect of one on another. This process allows researchers to test causal hypotheses by manipulating one variable while keeping others constant. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly relate to manipulating variables in an experiment.

3. How is pruning best defined?

• A. The process of eliminating unused synapses
• B. The process of synapse development
• C. The connection between neurons
• D. Fatty sheath that wraps around neurons and enables them to transmit information more rapidly

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pruning is the process of eliminating unused synapses in the brain. This process helps the brain to become more efficient by strengthening important connections and eliminating unnecessary ones. Choice B is incorrect because pruning is about eliminating synapses, not developing them. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the general concept of connections between neurons, not specifically about pruning. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the myelin sheath, which is responsible for rapid transmission of information along neurons, not pruning.

4. With which of the following statements would a behaviorist agree?

• A. Conscious experiences can be studied in an objective, precise way.
• B. In order to understand behavior, one must understand the motives behind the behavior.
• C. Behavior can only be explained in terms of phenomenology, that is, an individual's interpretation of experience.
• D. Psychology should be the science of behavior that can be observed by others.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Behaviorists argue that psychology should focus on observable behavior that can be studied objectively. Choice A is incorrect because behaviorists do not typically focus on conscious experiences, as they are not directly observable. Choice B is incorrect because behaviorists emphasize that behavior can be understood without delving into internal motives. Choice C is incorrect as behaviorists do not exclusively explain behavior through an individual's interpretation of experience; they focus on observable actions and reactions.

5. _______ tends to be seen in American children, whereas _______ tends to be seen in Thai children.

• A. Aggressive behavior; calm behavior
• B. Overcontrolled behavior; undercontrolled behavior
• C. Undercontrolled behavior; overcontrolled behavior
• D. Equal behavioral traits in both cultures.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Undercontrolled behavior tends to be seen in American children, whereas overcontrolled behavior is seen in Thai children.' This statement is supported by cultural studies and observations. American children are often described as exhibiting undercontrolled behavior, which includes impulsivity and lack of inhibition. On the other hand, Thai children are often described as showing overcontrolled behavior, characterized by restraint and adherence to social norms. Choice A is incorrect because calm behavior is not typically associated with American children. Choice B is incorrect as overcontrolled behavior is not commonly associated with American children. Choice D is incorrect as there are observed differences in behavioral traits between American and Thai children.

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