Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is not a common method for studying genetic influences?

• A. The study of specific gene defects
• B. Twin studies
• C. Adoption studies
• D. Family history (pedigree) studies

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Studying specific gene defects is not a common method for investigating genetic influences. Choices B, C, and D are common methods used in genetic research. Twin studies help determine the heritability of traits, adoption studies compare similarities between adopted individuals and their adoptive families versus biological families, and family history studies track the inheritance patterns of traits within families.

2. How is pruning best defined?

• A. The process of eliminating unused synapses
• B. The process of synapse development
• C. The connection between neurons
• D. Fatty sheath that wraps around neurons and enables them to transmit information more rapidly

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pruning is the process of eliminating unused synapses in the brain. This process helps the brain to become more efficient by strengthening important connections and eliminating unnecessary ones. Choice B is incorrect because pruning is about eliminating synapses, not developing them. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the general concept of connections between neurons, not specifically about pruning. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the myelin sheath, which is responsible for rapid transmission of information along neurons, not pruning.

3. An inborn trait that is relatively permanent and differentiates one person from another is known as ________.

• A. genotype
• B. phenotype
• C. temperament
• D. characteristic

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Temperament is the correct answer because it refers to an individual's inborn, relatively permanent trait that distinguishes one person from another. Genotype (choice A) refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, not necessarily a behavioral trait. Phenotype (choice B) is the observable characteristics of an organism resulting from the interaction between its genotype and the environment. Characteristic (choice D) is a broad term that can encompass various traits and features, but it does not specifically denote an inborn and relatively permanent trait that sets individuals apart.

4. What does incidence refer to?

• A. How many new cases of a disorder occur during a given period of time
• B. How many people have recovered from a disorder in a given period of time
• C. The percentage of males and females who have a disorder
• D. How many people in the population as a whole have a disorder

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'How many new cases of a disorder occur during a given period of time.' Incidence specifically measures the rate of occurrence of new cases of a particular condition within a defined population and time frame. This distinguishes it from prevalence, which includes both new and existing cases. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately define the term 'incidence.' Choice B refers to recovery, choice C mentions gender distribution, and choice D relates to the total population affected by a disorder, which are not reflective of the concept of incidence.

5. 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.

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