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. 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. Gabriel is depressed as he has been looking for a job for the past year without success. Today, his best friend tried to give him two books on job interviews, but he turned down the offer. What concept best explains his reaction?

• A. Observational learning
• B. Insight learning
• C. Learned helplessness
• D. Modeling

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Gabriel's reaction of turning down the offer of job interview books from his friend despite being depressed and unsuccessful in job hunting best fits the concept of learned helplessness. Learned helplessness occurs when individuals believe they have no control over their situation, leading to passivity and feelings of helplessness. In this case, Gabriel's refusal of the books indicates a sense of resignation and belief that his efforts in finding a job will not be successful, reflecting learned helplessness. Observational learning, insight learning, and modeling do not directly align with Gabriel's reaction in this context.

4. A predisposition toward developing a disorder is termed a __________ .

• A. Diathesis
• B. Risk factor
• C. Sufficient cause
• D. Diathesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A predisposition toward developing a disorder is termed a diathesis. In this context, diathesis refers to an individual's susceptibility or predisposition to developing a disorder. A diathesis is not the same as a risk factor or a sufficient cause. A risk factor is a variable that increases the likelihood of developing a disorder but is not a predisposition itself. A sufficient cause is a factor that can produce the disorder on its own, not just a predisposition.

5. Why is it particularly useful to study identical twins who were raised in different environments?

• A. Differences in brain function can be easily identified.
• B. Concordance rates tend to be higher.
• C. It is possible that the genetics of twins who have been separated have changed in ways to explain any differences found.
• D. It is possible that high concordance rates between identical twins reared together are due to their being treated more similarly than nonidentical twins.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Studying identical twins raised in different environments allows researchers to understand the impact of genetics versus environmental factors on traits. Choice A is incorrect because differences in brain function can be influenced by a variety of factors and not solely by environmental differences. Choice B is incorrect as concordance rates tend to be higher in identical twins reared together due to shared genetics and environment. Choice C is incorrect because genetics do not change due to being raised in different environments.

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