Nursing Elites

1. What is the goal of applied behavior analysis?

• A. outline changes in temperament over the lifespan
• B. eliminate undesirable behaviors and increase desirable responses
• C. examine how we think about ourselves and other people
• D. synthesize information from various sources into a detailed picture of a person's personality

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "eliminate undesirable behaviors and increase desirable responses." Applied behavior analysis aims to modify behavior by focusing on eliminating unwanted behaviors and reinforcing desirable ones. It does not primarily deal with changes in temperament (choice A), self-perception (choice C), or personality traits (choice D). The approach involves techniques such as reinforcement to target specific behaviors, rather than broader cognitive processes or personality characteristics.

2. 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.

3. School-age children master concrete operational tasks ________.

• A. all at once
• B. gradually, in a continuum of acquisition
• C. much later than Piaget believed
• D. after they master abstract thinking

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct answer: School-age children master concrete operational tasks gradually, in a continuum of acquisition. Piaget's theory suggests that children develop cognitive abilities in stages, with concrete operational tasks being acquired gradually as part of this process. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because concrete operational tasks are not typically mastered all at once, much later than Piaget believed, or necessarily after mastering abstract thinking.

4. Max, age 65, learned to play the piano at a local senior center. Max demonstrates that __________.

• A. aging is an eventual 'shipwreck'
• B. learning follows a predictable timetable
• C. development is plastic at all ages
• D. musical talent peaks in late adulthood

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Max, age 65, learning to play the piano at a local senior center demonstrates that development is plastic at all ages. This means that individuals have the potential to learn and grow regardless of their age, showing that it is never too late to acquire new skills and experiences. Choice A is incorrect because it presents a negative view of aging, which is not supported by Max's actions. Choice B is incorrect as it implies that learning is restricted to certain age periods, which is contradicted by Max's experience. Choice D is incorrect because Max's learning of the piano at 65 suggests that musical talent can be developed at any age, not necessarily peaking in late adulthood.

5. In the information-processing system, where does information first enter?

• A. central executive
• B. short-term memory store
• C. sensory register
• D. long-term memory store

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the information-processing system, information first enters the sensory register. This is where sensory information from the environment is briefly stored before being processed further. The central executive is responsible for coordinating cognitive processes, the short-term memory store holds information temporarily for immediate tasks, and the long-term memory store stores information for long periods, but the sensory register is the initial entry point for incoming information.

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