Nursing Elites

1. Like longitudinal research, cross-sectional studies can be threatened by __________.

• A. practice effects
• B. participant dropout
• C. sequential timing
• D. cohort effects

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cross-sectional studies can be threatened by cohort effects because different age groups may have experienced different historical or social contexts, influencing the results. This disparity can lead to invalid comparisons between age groups, confounding the study's findings. Option A, practice effects, refer to changes in participants' behavior due to repeated testing, not a specific threat to cross-sectional studies. Participant dropout (Option B) is a threat related to attrition in longitudinal studies, not cross-sectional studies. Sequential timing (Option C) does not pose a threat to cross-sectional studies; instead, it refers to the order of tasks in a study design.

2. According to the lifespan perspective, _______ is supreme in its impact on the life course.

• A. the prenatal period
• B. early childhood
• C. adolescence
• D. no age period

Correct answer: D

Rationale: According to the lifespan perspective, no single period is considered supreme in its impact on the life course. Each stage of life, from prenatal period through adulthood, plays a significant role in shaping an individual's development. Therefore, the correct answer is 'D: no age period.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the lifespan perspective emphasizes that all stages are important and contribute uniquely to an individual's life course.

3. Brain growth is especially dramatic during __________, when the brain more than doubles in size.

• A. the first year
• B. the second year
• C. middle childhood
• D. adolescence

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Brain growth is especially dramatic during the first year of life when the brain more than doubles in size. This period is characterized by rapid neural development and growth. The brain doesn't double in size during the second year, making choice B incorrect. Middle childhood and adolescence do not represent periods where the brain more than doubles in size, making choices C and D incorrect, respectively.

4. A major limitation of systematic observation is that it __________.

• A. provides little information on how participants actually behave
• B. tells investigators little about the reasoning behind responses and behaviors
• C. underestimates the capacities of individuals who have difficulty putting their thoughts into words
• D. ignores participants with poor memories, who may have trouble recalling exactly what happened

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A major limitation of systematic observation is that it tells investigators little about the reasoning behind responses and behaviors. Systematic observation focuses more on recording observable behaviors rather than delving into the underlying reasons or thought processes driving those behaviors. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because systematic observation can indeed provide detailed information on how participants actually behave, it doesn't necessarily underestimate the capacities of individuals who struggle with verbal expression, and it doesn't solely ignore participants with poor memories as it can capture behavior in real-time regardless of memory recall.

5. Dr. Dias's research shows that the death of a spouse in old age is correlated with a decline in the surviving partner's physical health. Which conclusion is supported by this study?

• A. The death of a spouse causes a decline in the surviving partner's physical health.
• B. The death of a spouse is related to a decline in the surviving partner's physical health.
• C. A decline in a surviving partner's physical health can cause the death of a spouse.
• D. A third variable, such as memory loss, causes a surviving partner's decline in physical health following the death of a spouse.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dr. Dias's research findings indicate a correlation between the death of a spouse and a decline in the surviving partner's physical health. This correlation suggests a relationship between the two variables, but it does not necessarily imply a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Therefore, the correct conclusion supported by this study is option B - 'The death of a spouse is related to a decline in the surviving partner's physical health.' Option A is too direct in its causation claim, which is not proven by correlation alone. Option C reverses the cause and effect relationship suggested by the research. Option D introduces an unrelated third variable, which is not supported by the study's findings.

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