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. The lifespan perspective on human development assumes that development is __________.

• A. static and stable
• B. multidimensional and multidirectional
• C. continuous, rather than discontinuous
• D. largely the result of heredity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The lifespan perspective on human development assumes that development is multidimensional and multidirectional. This means that development occurs in various domains (such as physical, cognitive, and psychosocial) and can involve gains and losses as individuals age. This perspective recognizes that human development is complex and dynamic, involving various factors and pathways over the course of a person's life. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because human development is not static and stable (A), can involve both continuous and discontinuous changes (C), and is influenced by a combination of heredity and environment rather than solely by heredity (D).

3. Jade spent two years in a Mexican-American community studying communication between parents and children. Jade was using __________.

• A. naturalistic observation
• B. ethnography
• C. self-reports
• D. structured observation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Jade was using ethnography. Ethnography involves the systematic study of people and cultures through participant observation and interviews. In this case, Jade spent two years in a Mexican-American community studying communication between parents and children, which aligns with the methodology of ethnography. Ethnography allows researchers to gain an in-depth understanding of a particular cultural group's behaviors, practices, and beliefs. Choice A, naturalistic observation, involves observing subjects in their natural environment without interference or manipulation. While similar to ethnography in some aspects, naturalistic observation does not typically involve the same level of cultural immersion and participant interaction as ethnography. Choice C, self-reports, refers to data collected directly from participants about their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. This method relies on participants' subjective responses and may not provide the same depth of cultural insights as ethnography. Choice D, structured observation, involves observing behavior in a structured and controlled environment. Unlike ethnography, structured observation does not focus on the cultural nuances and immersive study of a specific community.

4. Dr. Anderson wants to conduct a study to determine the cause-and-effect relationship between domestic violence and anger in children. Dr. Anderson should use a(n) __________ design.

• A. structured
• B. observational
• C. correlational
• D. experimental

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dr. Anderson should use an experimental design to determine the cause-and-effect relationship between domestic violence and anger in children. In an experimental design, the researcher manipulates the independent variable (in this case, exposure to domestic violence) to observe its effect on the dependent variable (anger in children). This design allows for the establishment of a cause-and-effect relationship by controlling for other variables that may influence the outcomes. Observational design (Choice B) involves observing subjects in their natural environment without interference, correlational design (Choice C) examines the relationship between variables without manipulating them, and structured design (Choice A) typically refers to a study with predetermined procedures and data collection methods, which may not be suitable for establishing cause-and-effect relationships.

5. A theory of development __________.

• A. illustrates the ultimate truth about human behavior
• B. describes, explains, and predicts behavior
• C. explains all aspects of human growth
• D. does not require scientific verification

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A theory of development describes, explains, and predicts behavior. It provides a framework for understanding how individuals grow and change over time. The purpose of a theory is not to illustrate ultimate truth or explain all aspects of human growth, but rather to help researchers and practitioners make sense of and predict human behavior. Theories are expected to be tested and refined through scientific verification. Choice A is incorrect because theories do not necessarily illustrate ultimate truth. Choice C is incorrect as theories focus on behavior and development, not all aspects of human growth. Choice D is incorrect because scientific verification is essential for theories to be valid and reliable.

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