Nursing Elites

1. In an experimental study examining whether children who are read to more often score higher on vocabulary tests in first grade, the independent variable would be the __________.

• A. frequency of read-alouds
• B. type of books parents read
• C. child’s vocabulary score Copyright © 2018 Laura E. Berk. All Rights Reserved. 31 Test Bank for Berk, Development Through the Lifespan, 7e
• D. difficulty of vocabulary words Answer: A Page Ref: 33 Skill Level: Apply and limitations of each. Topic: Studying Development Difficulty Level: Difficult

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In an experimental study, the independent variable is the factor being manipulated or controlled by the researcher. In this case, the frequency of read-alouds is the variable that researchers would intentionally change or vary to see its effect on the dependent variable, which is the children's vocabulary scores. The other options (B. type of books parents read, C. child's vocabulary score, and D. difficulty of vocabulary words) are not the independent variable in this study as they are either irrelevant or are the outcome being measured.

2. 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.

3. Konrad Lorenz and Niko Tinbergen laid the modern foundations for __________.

• A. ethology
• B. social learning theory
• C. psychoanalytic theory
• D. cognitive-developmental theory

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Konrad Lorenz and Niko Tinbergen are considered the founders of ethology, a branch of biology and psychology that focuses on the study of animal behavior in natural environments. Their work laid the modern foundations for ethology, which examines the behavior of animals in relation to their natural habitats and evolutionary history. Choice B, social learning theory, is incorrect as it pertains to a different area of psychology that focuses on how people learn through observing others. Choice C, psychoanalytic theory, is also incorrect as it is a psychological theory developed by Sigmund Freud that emphasizes the role of unconscious conflicts in determining behavior. Choice D, cognitive-developmental theory, is incorrect as it refers to the work of Jean Piaget in understanding the development of human cognition in children.

4. Which expectant mother has the greatest risk of a baby born with fetal alcohol syndrome?

• A. Chloe, a Caucasian American
• B. Latima, an African American
• C. Yvonne, a Native American
• D. Ming, an Asian American Answer: C Page Ref: 85 Skill Level: Apply known or suspected teratogens. Topic: Prenatal Environmental Influences Difficulty Level: Moderate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: According to research, Native American populations have the highest prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in the United States. This increased risk is due to various social, cultural, and environmental factors within Native American communities.

5. The information-processing approach views the human mind as a __________.

• A. socially mediated process
• B. collection of stimuli and responses
• C. system of genetically programmed behaviors
• D. symbol-manipulating system through which information flows

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The information-processing approach views the human mind as a symbol-manipulating system through which information flows. This perspective emphasizes how information is received, processed, stored, and retrieved in the mind, similar to how a computer processes data through symbols and operations. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not align with the fundamental principles of the information-processing approach, which focuses on the mind's symbolic manipulation of information rather than being a socially mediated process, a collection of stimuli and responses, or a system of genetically programmed behaviors.

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