Nursing Elites

1. Which statement describes a strength of naturalistic observation?

• A. It reflects the participants' everyday lives.
• B. It permits comparisons of participants' responses.
• C. Great depth and breadth of information can be obtained in a short time.
• D. It grants each participant an equal opportunity to display the behavior of interest.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Naturalistic observation reflects the participants' everyday lives because it involves observing individuals in their natural environments without any manipulation. This allows researchers to see how people behave in real-world settings and can provide valuable insights into their typical behavior patterns. Choice B is incorrect because naturalistic observation focuses on observing behavior in its natural setting rather than comparing responses between participants. Choice C is incorrect as naturalistic observation tends to provide rich, qualitative data rather than a large amount of information in a short time. Choice D is incorrect because in naturalistic observation, participants are observed as they naturally behave, which may not always lead to an equal opportunity for all participants to display the behavior of interest.

2. Who is generally regarded as the founder of the child study movement?

• A. Arnold Gesell was among the first to write child-rearing books for parents
• B. Arnold Gesell is generally regarded as the founder of the child study movement
• C. Arnold Gesell foreshadowed lifespan research by writing a book on aging
• D. Arnold Gesell constructed the first successful intelligence test

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Arnold Gesell is generally regarded as the founder of the child study movement, emphasizing the importance of observing and documenting children's behaviors to understand their development. While he was a significant figure in child development research, he did not specifically write child-rearing books for parents, foreshadow lifespan research, or construct the first successful intelligence test. Choice A is incorrect as Gesell's focus was more on research rather than writing child-rearing books. Choice C is incorrect as Gesell's main contributions were in child development, not specifically in aging research. Choice D is incorrect as Gesell is not credited with constructing the first successful intelligence test.

3. According to operant conditioning theory, __________.

• A. the frequency of a behavior can be increased through punishment, such as disapproval
• B. normal development must be understood in relation to each culture's life situation
• C. the id develops as parents insist that children conform to the values of society
• D. the frequency of a behavior can be increased by following it with a wide variety of reinforcers

Correct answer: D

Rationale: According to operant conditioning theory, the frequency of a behavior can be increased by following it with a wide variety of reinforcers. In operant conditioning, behaviors are shaped through reinforcement, which can be positive (rewarding) or negative (removal of something unpleasant). By providing reinforcement following a behavior, the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future is increased. This supports the notion that the frequency of a behavior can be increased by using reinforcers in operant conditioning. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because operant conditioning focuses on the relationship between behavior and its consequences through reinforcement (positive or negative) to increase the likelihood of the behavior recurring, rather than punishment, cultural influences, or the development of the id based on societal values.

4. One criticism of Freud's psychosexual theory was that it __________.

• A. did not apply to other cultures
• B. underemphasized the influence of sexual feelings
• C. compared human development to the evolution of the human species
• D. offered too narrow a view of important environmental influences

Correct answer: A

Rationale: One criticism of Freud's psychosexual theory was that it did not apply to other cultures. Freud developed his theory based on observations and cases from his clinical practice in a specific cultural context, mainly Western society. This limited cultural scope raised concerns about the generalizability and applicability of his theories to diverse cultural settings. Choice B is incorrect because Freud's theory actually emphasized the significant influence of sexual feelings on human development. Choice C is incorrect because Freud's theory focused on stages of psychosexual development rather than comparing human development to the evolution of the human species. Choice D is incorrect because Freud's psychosexual theory considered environmental influences, although it primarily centered on internal drives and conflicts.

5. Although great diversity characterizes the interests and concerns of investigators who study development, they share a single goal: to identify __________.

• A. genetic factors that contribute to longevity
• B. environmental factors that contribute to disease and illness
• C. those factors that lead to abnormal development in children and adolescents
• D. those factors that influence consistencies and transformations in people from conception to death

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because investigators who study development aim to identify the factors that influence consistencies and transformations in people from conception to death. This goal encompasses various domains such as physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, highlighting the comprehensive nature of developmental research. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the overarching goal of developmental researchers, which is to understand the factors influencing individuals throughout their lifespan, rather than focusing solely on genetic factors, environmental factors related to disease, or abnormal development in specific age groups.

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