Nursing Elites

1. With which of the following statements would a behaviorist agree?

• A. Conscious experiences can be studied in an objective, precise way.
• B. In order to understand behavior, one must understand the motives behind the behavior.
• C. Behavior can only be explained in terms of phenomenology, that is, an individual's interpretation of experience.
• D. Psychology should be the science of behavior that can be observed by others.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Behaviorists argue that psychology should focus on observable behavior that can be studied objectively. Choice A is incorrect because behaviorists do not typically focus on conscious experiences, as they are not directly observable. Choice B is incorrect because behaviorists emphasize that behavior can be understood without delving into internal motives. Choice C is incorrect as behaviorists do not exclusively explain behavior through an individual's interpretation of experience; they focus on observable actions and reactions.

2. Larry is a graduate student whose major area of interest is social psychology. What should you expect that Larry is most interested in?

• A. The ways in which physical or genetic factors influence and determine behavior.
• B. The internal factors that lead people to act consistently across a variety of situations.
• C. How people relate to each other and influence each other.
• D. The ways in which behavior and mental processes change over a lifetime.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Social psychology focuses on how individuals relate to each other, influence each other, and interact within social groups. This field is more concerned with social interactions and behaviors rather than physical or genetic factors influencing behavior (choice A), internal factors leading to consistent behavior (choice B), or changes in behavior and mental processes over a lifetime (choice D). Therefore, the most appropriate area of interest for Larry, being a graduate student in social psychology, would be how people relate to and influence each other.

3. Elliot became widowed after nearly 40 years of marriage. He has convinced himself that no one will ever love him again. His irrational thinking has caused him to suffer from depression, and he rarely leaves his house. What perspective might best explain his behavior?

• A. Psychodynamic
• B. Behavioral
• C. Biological
• D. Cognitive

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The cognitive perspective might best explain Elliot's irrational thinking and resulting depression. In this case, Elliot's belief that he will never be loved again is a cognitive distortion, leading to depressive symptoms and social withdrawal. The psychodynamic perspective primarily focuses on unconscious processes and unresolved conflicts from the past, which do not directly address Elliot's current cognitive distortions. The behavioral perspective would focus on observable behaviors and how they are reinforced, which is not the central issue in this scenario. The biological perspective would examine the role of genetics, brain chemistry, and other physiological factors, which are not the primary cause of Elliot's behavior in this context.

4. In a discussion with your professor, she tells you that she believes that the focus of psychological study should be to break the conscious experience into its basic elements. Which of the following historical schools of thought is your professor's idea most consistent with?

• A. Behaviorism
• B. Functionalism
• C. Structuralism
• D. Psychoanalysis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Structuralism. Structuralism, as introduced by Wundt, aimed to break down mental processes into their most basic elements. This aligns with the idea of breaking the conscious experience into its fundamental components. Choice A, Behaviorism, focuses on observable behavior and not on breaking down conscious experience. Choice B, Functionalism, emphasizes the purpose of behavior rather than breaking it down into basic elements. Choice D, Psychoanalysis, delves into unconscious processes and conflicts, which is different from breaking down conscious experiences into basic elements.

5. Dr. Haldol has several patients with schizophrenia who appear to exhibit excessive or distorted characteristics in relation to what one might consider normal functioning. Specific symptoms include varied hallucinations and multiple delusions. According to the DSM-5, these are referred to as?

• A. Flat affect
• B. Positive symptoms
• C. Negative symptoms
• D. Catatonia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Positive symptoms. Positive symptoms in schizophrenia are behaviors or experiences that are added to normal functioning, such as hallucinations and delusions. These symptoms are considered 'positive' because they represent an excess or distortion of normal functions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Flat affect refers to a reduction in emotional expression, negative symptoms involve deficits in normal functioning such as reduced emotional expression or motivation, and catatonia is a state of unresponsiveness.

Similar Questions