Nursing Elites

1. Longitudinal research can identify common patterns as well as individual differences in development because the investigator __________.

• A. studies groups of participants differing in age at the same point in time
• B. randomly assigns participants to treatment conditions
• C. tracks the performance of each person over time
• D. conducts quasi-experiments, comparing conditions that already exist

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Longitudinal research involves tracking the performance of each person over time. By doing so, researchers can observe common patterns in development among a group of individuals and also identify individual differences in how each person progresses over time. This methodology allows researchers to gather data on the same individuals repeatedly, offering insights into how development unfolds over the lifespan. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because longitudinal research focuses on observing individuals over time rather than studying groups at a single point, randomly assigning participants to treatments, or conducting quasi-experiments.

2. What is the longest stage of labor?

• A. Delivery of the baby
• B. Delivery of the placenta
• C. Dilation and effacement of the cervix
• D. Release of epinephrine and cortisol

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Dilation and effacement of the cervix. This stage can last for hours, especially for first-time mothers, as the cervix needs to dilate and efface to allow for the baby's passage through the birth canal. Once the cervix is fully dilated and effaced, the woman can begin pushing during the second stage of labor to deliver the baby. The delivery of the baby itself is usually a shorter process compared to the time taken for the cervix to dilate and efface. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they represent other stages within the labor process that come after the dilation and effacement of the cervix.

3. According to operant conditioning theory, __________.

• A. the frequency of a behavior can be increased through punishment, such as disapproval
• B. normal development must be understood in relation to each culture's life situation
• C. the id develops as parents insist that children conform to the values of society
• D. the frequency of a behavior can be increased by following it with a wide variety of reinforcers

Correct answer: D

Rationale: According to operant conditioning theory, the frequency of a behavior can be increased by following it with a wide variety of reinforcers. In operant conditioning, behaviors are shaped through reinforcement, which can be positive (rewarding) or negative (removal of something unpleasant). By providing reinforcement following a behavior, the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future is increased. This supports the notion that the frequency of a behavior can be increased by using reinforcers in operant conditioning. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because operant conditioning focuses on the relationship between behavior and its consequences through reinforcement (positive or negative) to increase the likelihood of the behavior recurring, rather than punishment, cultural influences, or the development of the id based on societal values.

4. During Irina's first week of pregnancy, __________.

• A. heart muscles begin to develop
• B. the zygote multiplies and forms a blastocyst
• C. a primitive brain and spinal cord appear
• D. the embryo can move

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During the first week of pregnancy, the zygote (fertilized egg) undergoes rapid cell divisions and forms a blastocyst. This is a crucial stage where the cells differentiate and specialize, setting the foundation for the development of the embryo. It is during this time that the zygote implants itself into the uterine wall, initiating the process of pregnancy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because during the first week of pregnancy, the focus is on the initial development and multiplication of the zygote, not on the development of heart muscles, a primitive brain and spinal cord, or the embryo's ability to move.

5. When faced with a problem, Sydney starts with a hypothesis, deduces testable inferences, and isolates and combines variables to see which inferences are confirmed. Sydney is in Piaget's __________ stage of development.

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sydney's approach of starting with a hypothesis, deducing testable inferences, and isolating and combining variables to confirm inferences aligns with the characteristics of the formal operational stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development. This stage typically emerges during adolescence and is characterized by advanced logical thinking, abstract reasoning, and the ability to think systematically about all possible outcomes of a problem. Choice A, sensorimotor, is incorrect as it pertains to the stage where infants learn through sensory experiences and motor actions. Choice B, preoperational, is incorrect as it involves egocentrism and lack of conservation. Choice C, concrete operational, is incorrect as it focuses on operational thought and logical reasoning in concrete contexts.

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