Nursing Elites

1. Dr. Bigelow is interested in studying musical prodigies. Which method is best suited for this type of research?

• A. naturalistic observation
• B. clinical interview
• C. case study
• D. structured interview

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A case study would be the best method for Dr. Bigelow to study musical prodigies. In a case study, the researcher can closely examine and analyze the unique characteristics, abilities, and behaviors of individual subjects. This method allows for in-depth exploration of a specific phenomenon, making it ideal for investigating exceptional cases such as musical prodigies. Naturalistic observation involves observing subjects in their natural environment without interference, which may not provide the detailed insights needed for studying musical prodigies. Clinical interviews focus on gathering information through structured questioning, not ideal for studying unique talents. Structured interviews involve asking a set of predetermined questions, which may not allow for the depth of exploration required for studying musical prodigies.

2. In a cross-sectional design, researchers study __________.

• A. the same group of participants repeatedly at different ages
• B. groups of participants differing in age at the same point in time
• C. groups of participants of the same age in different years
• D. participants of the same age at the same point in time

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a cross-sectional design, researchers study groups of participants differing in age at the same point in time. This design allows researchers to compare different age groups simultaneously, providing valuable insight into age-related differences without the need to track the same group over time. Choice A is incorrect because it describes a longitudinal design where the same group is followed over time. Choice C is incorrect as it involves different groups of the same age studied at different times. Choice D is incorrect as it does not capture the essence of a cross-sectional design, which involves studying groups of different ages at the same point in time.

3. Which of the following best describes a sequential design?

• A. Does not address diversity in developmental outcomes.
• B. Permits researchers to check if cohort effects are operating.
• C. Is less efficient than a longitudinal design.
• D. Makes cross-sectional, but not longitudinal, comparisons.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A sequential design permits researchers to check if cohort effects are operating. This design involves combining cross-sectional and longitudinal research, allowing for the comparison of different cohorts at different ages. By using this approach, researchers can determine if developmental changes observed are due to age or generation-specific factors. Therefore, a sequential design is valuable in addressing the potential influence of cohort effects on developmental outcomes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a sequential design does not neglect diversity in developmental outcomes, is not necessarily less efficient than a longitudinal design, and can make both cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons.

4. Heaven was born several weeks before her due date. Although she was small, her birth weight was appropriate, based on time spent in the uterus. Heaven is a __________ infant.

• A. small-for-date
• B. small-for-weight
• C. mature
• D. preterm

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Heaven is a preterm infant because she was born early, but her weight is appropriate for the time she spent in the womb. Choice A, 'small-for-date,' is incorrect as it does not specifically indicate that the infant was born before the due date. Choice B, 'small-for-weight,' is incorrect because the infant's weight is appropriate for the gestational age. Choice C, 'mature,' is incorrect as it does not reflect the early birth of the infant.

5. Which major theory of human development emphasizes plasticity at all ages?

• A. psychoanalytic perspective
• B. ethology
• C. evolutionary developmental psychology
• D. lifespan perspective

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the lifespan perspective. This perspective underscores the idea that individuals have the capacity for growth and change at any age, highlighting plasticity throughout the lifespan. It acknowledges the continuous development and adaptability of individuals to various experiences and factors. Choice A, the psychoanalytic perspective, focuses more on unconscious processes and early childhood experiences. Choice B, ethology, emphasizes the study of animal behavior in natural environments. Choice C, evolutionary developmental psychology, examines how evolutionary principles influence human development but does not specifically focus on plasticity at all ages.

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