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. Who is credited with establishing psychology as a distinct scientific field, separate from other disciplines?

• A. G. Stanley Hall
• B. René Descartes
• C. William James
• D. Wilhelm Wundt

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Wilhelm Wundt is the correct answer as he is credited with establishing psychology as a distinct scientific field. Wundt founded the first laboratory dedicated to experimental psychology in 1879, which marked the beginning of psychology as a separate discipline. While the other individuals mentioned in the choices have made significant contributions to the field of psychology, Wilhelm Wundt is specifically known for his pioneering work in establishing psychology as a unique and independent discipline.

3. A model of understanding mental illnesses that attempts to integrate the contributions of many different types of actors is called the ________ viewpoint.

• A. biopsychosocial
• B. sociocultural
• C. Gestalt
• D. neuroscience

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: biopsychosocial. The biopsychosocial viewpoint considers the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental illnesses. This model recognizes that mental health and illness are influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Choice B, sociocultural, focuses more on societal and cultural influences on mental health, while Choice C, Gestalt, relates to holistic psychology. Choice D, neuroscience, emphasizes the role of the nervous system and brain in mental processes, but it does not encompass the broader integration of biological, psychological, and social aspects seen in the biopsychosocial viewpoint.

4. William James, who was a pioneer in the development of functionalism, was most heavily influenced by?

• A. Charles Darwin.
• B. Sigmund Freud.
• C. John Watson.
• D. B.F. Skinner.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: William James was heavily influenced by Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, which shaped his functionalist views on psychology. This influence is evident in James's emphasis on adaptation, survival, and the functional purposes of behavior. Choice B, Sigmund Freud, is incorrect because Freud's psychoanalytic theory focused on unconscious processes and childhood experiences, which differ significantly from James's functionalism. Choice C, John Watson, is incorrect as Watson was a behaviorist who emphasized observable behavior and rejected mental processes, which contrasts with James's focus on mental processes. Choice D, B.F. Skinner, is also incorrect as Skinner was a behaviorist known for his work on operant conditioning, which is not directly aligned with James's functionalist perspective.

5. With which of the following statements would a behaviorist agree?

• A. Conscious experiences can be studied in an objective, precise way.
• B. In order to understand behavior, one must understand the motives behind the behavior.
• C. Behavior can only be explained in terms of phenomenology, that is, an individual's interpretation of experience.
• D. Psychology should be the science of behavior that can be observed by others.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Behaviorists argue that psychology should focus on observable behavior that can be studied objectively. Choice A is incorrect because behaviorists do not typically focus on conscious experiences, as they are not directly observable. Choice B is incorrect because behaviorists emphasize that behavior can be understood without delving into internal motives. Choice C is incorrect as behaviorists do not exclusively explain behavior through an individual's interpretation of experience; they focus on observable actions and reactions.

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