Nursing Elites

1. The process of ________ is used to increase the probability that a behavior will occur.

• A. operant conditioning
• B. reinforcement
• C. classical conditioning
• D. punishment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is reinforcement. Reinforcement involves providing a consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. Operant conditioning (Choice A) refers to learning through consequences for behavior, which includes reinforcement and punishment. Classical conditioning (Choice C) involves forming associations between stimuli and involuntary responses. Punishment (Choice D) involves providing a consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. In this context, the question specifically asks about a process that increases the probability of a behavior occurring, aligning with the concept of reinforcement.

2. Neural plasticity is ________.

• A. the process by which neurotransmitters are broken down in the brain.
• B. the flexibility of the brain—existing neural circuits can change or new ones can be made.
• C. strong evidence of brain damage, leading to the development of a mental disorder.
• D. the best indicator of temperament and its effect on the personality development of a child.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Neural plasticity refers to the brain's flexibility to change existing neural circuits or create new ones. Choice A is incorrect as it describes neurotransmitter breakdown, not neural plasticity. Choice C is incorrect because neural plasticity does not necessarily indicate brain damage leading to mental disorders. Choice D is incorrect because neural plasticity is not specifically related to temperament or personality development in children.

3. A psychologist who is interested in the psychological effect of aging would most likely specialize in?

• A. Developmental psychology.
• B. Experimental psychology.
• C. Cognitive psychology.
• D. Psychometrics.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A psychologist interested in the psychological effect of aging would most likely specialize in developmental psychology. Developmental psychology focuses on studying the psychological changes that occur throughout a person's lifespan, including the effects of aging. Experimental psychology primarily deals with conducting experiments to study behavior and cognitive processes. Cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes like perception, memory, and problem-solving. Psychometrics involves the measurement of psychological variables such as intelligence, aptitude, and personality traits, but it does not specifically address the psychological effects of aging as in developmental psychology.

4. Strict behaviorists would be most sympathetic to which one of the following statements?

• A. Human behavior is primarily caused by inherited factors.
• B. Human behavior is primarily caused by environmental factors.
• C. Human behavior is primarily caused by equal contributions of inherited and environmental factors.
• D. No one really knows the primary causes for human behavior.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Strict behaviorists, who adhere to behaviorism, believe that human behavior is primarily influenced by environmental factors. This perspective asserts that individuals' actions and responses are shaped by their interactions with the environment, learning experiences, and external stimuli. Choice A is incorrect because strict behaviorists do not focus on inherited factors but on how behavior is learned and shaped through environmental influences. Choice C is also incorrect as behaviorists do not believe in equal contributions of inherited and environmental factors; they emphasize environmental determinants. Choice D is incorrect as behaviorists have a clear stance that behavior is influenced by environmental stimuli and learning experiences.

5. When interviewing a new member of the psychology department for the university newspaper, the faculty member states, 'many times, people are unaware of the unconscious motivations that drive their overt actions.' This faculty member's views are most similar to the views held by?

• A. F. Skinner.
• B. Carl Rogers.
• C. Wilhelm Wundt.
• D. Sigmund Freud

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Sigmund Freud. Freud's psychoanalytic theory emphasized the influence of unconscious motivations on behavior. This aligns with the faculty member's statement about people being unaware of the unconscious drives behind their actions. Choice A, F. Skinner, is incorrect because Skinner focused on observable behavior and reinforcement. Choice B, Carl Rogers, is incorrect as Rogers is associated with humanistic psychology and self-actualization, not unconscious motivations. Choice C, Wilhelm Wundt, is also incorrect as he is known for establishing the first psychology laboratory and structuralism, not unconscious motivations.

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