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. Distinguish between assimilation and accommodation.

• A. Assimilation refers to adjusting our mental frameworks to incorporate new information.
• B. Assimilation is when new experiences are interpreted in terms of existing schemas.
• C. Assimilation is adapting our behaviors to match societal norms.
• D. Assimilation and accommodation are unrelated to cognitive development.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Assimilation is when new experiences are interpreted in terms of existing schemas, meaning individuals try to fit new information into their pre-existing understanding of the world. Accommodation, on the other hand, involves adjusting our schemas to fit new information, which means changing our existing mental frameworks when new information doesn't fit. Choice A is incorrect because it describes accommodation rather than assimilation. Choice C is incorrect as it confuses assimilation with social adaptation. Choice D is incorrect as assimilation and accommodation are fundamental processes in cognitive development, as described by Piaget.

3. 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.

4. Which of the following is a common criticism against Piaget's theory of cognitive development?

• A. The sequence of stages is not fixed.
• B. Research has not supported the existence of the preoperational stage.
• C. Piaget put a heavy emphasis on the environment, ignoring the importance of mental processes.
• D. Children develop abilities earlier than Piaget theorized.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because one common criticism of Piaget's theory is that children often acquire cognitive abilities earlier than Piaget proposed. This criticism suggests that Piaget's stages might not be as fixed or rigid as he believed. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: A is a characteristic of Piaget's theory; B is not a common criticism, as research generally supports the existence of Piaget's stages; and C is inaccurate, as Piaget actually emphasized the importance of mental processes in cognitive development.

5. How does the diathesis-stress model explain the onset of mental disorders?

• A. Stress alone is sufficient to cause mental disorders.
• B. Both genetic vulnerability and environmental stress are needed to trigger a disorder.
• C. Only genetic factors cause mental disorders.
• D. Environmental stressors alone can cause mental disorders.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The diathesis-stress model explains that the onset of mental disorders results from the interaction of genetic vulnerability (diathesis) and environmental stress. Choice A is incorrect because stress alone is not sufficient, according to the model. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies by attributing mental disorders solely to genetic factors. Choice D is incorrect because the model emphasizes the joint contribution of genetic predisposition and environmental stress.

Similar Questions