Nursing Elites

1. Which statement is supported by research on newborn taste preferences?

• A. Newborns cannot distinguish basic tastes.
• B. Not until 4 months do babies prefer a salty taste to plain water.
• C. Newborns prefer the taste of formula to breast milk.
• D. Unlike adults, babies relax their facial muscles in response to sour tastes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Research on newborn taste preferences has found that not until around 4 months of age do babies start to show a preference for a salty taste over plain water. This indicates that newborns do have some ability to distinguish tastes, contrary to the statement in option A. The statement in option C that newborns prefer the taste of formula to breast milk is not supported by research on newborn taste preferences. Option D, stating that babies relax their facial muscles in response to sour tastes, is also not a supported statement regarding newborn taste preferences.

2. In an experimental study examining whether children who are read to more often score higher on vocabulary tests in first grade, the independent variable would be the __________.

• A. frequency of read-alouds
• B. type of books parents read
• C. child’s vocabulary score Copyright © 2018 Laura E. Berk. All Rights Reserved. 31 Test Bank for Berk, Development Through the Lifespan, 7e
• D. difficulty of vocabulary words Answer: A Page Ref: 33 Skill Level: Apply and limitations of each. Topic: Studying Development Difficulty Level: Difficult

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In an experimental study, the independent variable is the factor being manipulated or controlled by the researcher. In this case, the frequency of read-alouds is the variable that researchers would intentionally change or vary to see its effect on the dependent variable, which is the children's vocabulary scores. The other options (B. type of books parents read, C. child's vocabulary score, and D. difficulty of vocabulary words) are not the independent variable in this study as they are either irrelevant or are the outcome being measured.

3. Observations of imprinting led to which major concept in human development?

• A. adaptation
• B. equilibrium
• C. the critical period
• D. classical conditioning

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Observations of imprinting in animals, such as ducklings following the first moving object they see after hatching, led to the major concept of the critical period in human development. The critical period is a specific time frame during which an organism must experience certain stimuli to develop properly. This concept has been influential in understanding various aspects of human development, such as language acquisition and social attachment. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Adaptation refers to adjusting to the environment, equilibrium is about balance in cognitive processes, and classical conditioning is a learning process associated with behaviorism, none of which directly relate to the concept derived from imprinting observations.

4. Prenatally malnourished babies frequently __________.

• A. reject breast milk
• B. have enlarged hearts
• C. catch respiratory illnesses
• D. have a higher-than-average birth weight

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Prenatally malnourished babies frequently catch respiratory illnesses. Malnourished babies have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to illnesses such as respiratory infections. This is a common consequence that is observed in babies who did not receive adequate nutrition during the prenatal period. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While malnourished babies may have feeding challenges, rejecting breast milk is not a common consequence. Enlarged hearts are not typically associated with prenatal malnutrition, and having a higher-than-average birth weight is unlikely in malnourished babies.

5. 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.

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