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. 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.

3. Charles has suffered from schizophrenia for many years and now resides in a group treatment facility. One day a nurse approaches him and quietly tells him that his sister, who has been fighting cancer for many months, died that morning. Charles has no appreciable facial reaction and in a very monotone voice says, 'okay.' The nurse is not surprised by Charles's lack of response to the awful news because she knows that _________ is one symptom often seen in those suffering from schizophrenia?

• A. Clang associations
• B. Echolalia
• C. Blunted affect
• D. Perseveration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In individuals with schizophrenia, blunted affect, or reduced emotional expression, is a common symptom. In this scenario, Charles's lack of emotional response upon hearing about his sister's death aligns with the characteristic of blunted affect. This symptom can manifest as a limited range of facial expressions, monotone voice, and reduced display of emotions. Choice A, 'Clang associations,' refers to a thought disorder characterized by the use of words that sound alike but are not logically connected. Choice B, 'Echolalia,' is the repetition of words spoken by others. Choice D, 'Perseveration,' is the persistent repetition of a response or behavior even when it is no longer appropriate.

4. What is object-relations theory?

• A. It is the theory that focuses on observable behaviors only.
• B. It is a newer psychodynamic theory focusing on how individuals interact with others and their internalized relationships.
• C. It is the theory that emphasizes the importance of cognitive processes in shaping behavior.
• D. It is a cognitive-behavioral theory focused on changing maladaptive thought patterns.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Object-relations theory is a psychodynamic theory that focuses on how individuals interact with others and their internalized relationships. Choice A is incorrect because object-relations theory goes beyond observable behaviors to explore internalized relationships. Choice C is incorrect because object-relations theory does not primarily emphasize cognitive processes. Choice D is incorrect because object-relations theory is not a cognitive-behavioral theory focused on changing thought patterns.

5. Which approach contends that psychology must study internal mental events to fully understand behavior?

• A. Behaviorism.
• B. Cognitive psychology.
• C. Evolutionary psychology.
• D. Humanism.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Cognitive psychology. Cognitive psychology focuses on studying internal mental processes like perception, memory, and problem-solving to understand behavior. Behaviorism (choice A) emphasizes observable behavior over internal mental processes. Evolutionary psychology (choice C) examines how evolutionary principles influence behavior, not solely focusing on internal mental events. Humanism (choice D) emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization rather than internal mental events as the primary focus of study.

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