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 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. A __________ is a means of building schemes in which an infant who has stumbled onto a new experience caused by his or her own motor activity tries to repeat the event again and again.

• A. sensorimotor reflex
• B. circular reaction
• C. mental representation
• D. goal-directed behavior

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A circular reaction is a process where an infant repeats a specific action to explore and learn about the environment through their own motor activity. This repetition helps the infant to understand the consequences of their actions and build cognitive schemes. Sensorimotor reflex (choice A) refers to automatic responses to stimuli, not a purposeful repetition of actions to learn. Mental representation (choice C) involves internal cognitive structures to represent objects or events in the mind, which is different from the repetitive behavior described in the question. Goal-directed behavior (choice D) is purposeful and intentional, unlike the repetitive nature of circular reactions in infants' learning process.

4. Who is generally regarded as the founder of the child study movement?

• A. Charles Darwin
• B. G. Stanley Hall
• C. Alfred Binet
• D. Sigmund Freud

Correct answer: B

Rationale: G. Stanley Hall is generally regarded as the founder of the child study movement. He established the first American research laboratory dedicated to child psychology and education, helping to pioneer the scientific study of child development. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they were not primarily associated with founding the child study movement. Charles Darwin is known for his contributions to the theory of evolution, Alfred Binet is famous for developing the first intelligence test, and Sigmund Freud is renowned for his work in psychoanalysis.

5. Theorists who emphasize plasticity believe that __________.

• A. change in response to influential experiences is possible
• B. heredity, rather than the environment, influences behavior
• C. individuals who are high in anxiety as children will remain so at later ages
• D. early experiences establish a lifelong pattern of behavior

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Theorists who emphasize plasticity believe that change in response to influential experiences is possible. They argue that individuals have the capacity to adapt and change their behavior based on their experiences, rather than being limited by genetic predispositions or early childhood experiences. This perspective highlights the importance of environmental influences in shaping behavior and development. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the concept of plasticity, which emphasizes the flexibility and adaptability of individuals in response to their experiences, rather than being fixed by heredity, childhood traits, or early experiences.

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