Nursing Elites

1. One criticism of the information-processing approach is that it __________.

• A. underestimates the individual's contribution to his or her own development
• B. ignores transformation in adulthood, concluding that no major cognitive changes occur after adolescence
• C. underestimates the competencies of infants and preschoolers, focusing on older children and adolescents
• D. is better at analyzing thinking into its components than at putting them back together into a comprehensive theory

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The criticism that the information-processing approach ignores transformation in adulthood, concluding that no major cognitive changes occur after adolescence, suggests a limitation of the theory in not fully acknowledging that cognitive development continues throughout the lifespan. This criticism highlights a potential drawback of the approach in terms of its understanding of cognitive changes beyond adolescence. Choice A is incorrect because the criticism is not about underestimating the individual's contribution. Choice C is also incorrect as the criticism is not related to age-specific competencies. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on a different aspect of the information-processing approach.

2. Which major theory of human development emphasizes plasticity at all ages?

• A. psychoanalytic perspective
• B. ethology
• C. evolutionary developmental psychology
• D. lifespan perspective

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the lifespan perspective. This perspective underscores the idea that individuals have the capacity for growth and change at any age, highlighting plasticity throughout the lifespan. It acknowledges the continuous development and adaptability of individuals to various experiences and factors. Choice A, the psychoanalytic perspective, focuses more on unconscious processes and early childhood experiences. Choice B, ethology, emphasizes the study of animal behavior in natural environments. Choice C, evolutionary developmental psychology, examines how evolutionary principles influence human development but does not specifically focus on plasticity at all ages.

3. Theorists who contend that powerful negative events in the first few years cannot be fully overcome by later, more positive ones emphasize __________.

• A. plasticity
• B. stability
• C. nurture
• D. discontinuity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Theorists who emphasize stability argue that powerful negative events early in life cannot be completely overcome by later, more positive experiences. They believe that early experiences have a lasting impact on development and are not easily erased or reversed by subsequent events. This perspective contrasts with the idea of plasticity, which suggests that development can be influenced by experiences at any point in life, and that individuals have the capacity for change and growth throughout the lifespan. 'Nurture' does not directly address the concept of overcoming negative events, while 'discontinuity' refers to developmental stages being separate and distinct, not the idea that negative events early in life persist despite later positive experiences.

4. 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.

5. The force of blood flowing through the __________ keeps it firm.

• A. amnion
• B. umbilical cord
• C. yolk sac
• D. embryonic disk

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The force of blood flowing through the umbilical cord keeps it firm. The umbilical cord is the connection between the placenta and the fetus, providing essential nutrients and oxygen to the developing baby. Blood flow through the umbilical cord helps maintain its structure and function throughout the prenatal period. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not play a role in providing nutrients and oxygen to the developing baby or in maintaining its firmness.

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