Nursing Elites

1. Evolutionary developmental psychology __________.

• A. focuses on how the structures of the mind develop to better fit with, or represent, the external world
• B. seeks to understand the adaptive value of species-wide competencies as those competencies change with age
• C. views the human mind as a symbol-manipulating system through which information flows
• D. brings together researchers from many fields to study changes in the brain and behavior patterns

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Evolutionary developmental psychology seeks to understand the adaptive value of species-wide competencies as those competencies change with age. This field focuses on how psychological traits and behaviors have evolved to enhance survival and reproduction over time. It emphasizes the interaction between evolutionary principles and developmental processes to provide insights into human behavior and cognition. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the primary focus of evolutionary developmental psychology. Choice A is more aligned with cognitive psychology, choice C relates to cognitive science, and choice D could pertain to multidisciplinary approaches but not specifically to evolutionary developmental psychology.

2. What is a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research?

• A. Age-related changes cannot be examined.
• B. Participants often drop out before the study is over.
• C. Factors affecting individual development cannot be explored.
• D. Practice effects often cause biased findings.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: One major disadvantage of cross-sectional research is that factors affecting individual development cannot be explored thoroughly. Cross-sectional research involves comparing different groups of people at one specific point in time, and does not allow for tracking individual changes over time. This limitation means that the unique influences and trajectories of individual development may be overlooked in cross-sectional studies. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is not a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research as age-related changes can still be compared across different groups in this type of study. Choice B, while a potential issue in any study, is not specific to cross-sectional research. Choice D refers to a different type of bias caused by repeated testing rather than a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research.

3. According to the lifespan perspective, _______ is supreme in its impact on the life course.

• A. the prenatal period
• B. early childhood
• C. adolescence
• D. no age period

Correct answer: D

Rationale: According to the lifespan perspective, no single period is considered supreme in its impact on the life course. Each stage of life, from prenatal period through adulthood, plays a significant role in shaping an individual's development. Therefore, the correct answer is 'D: no age period.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the lifespan perspective emphasizes that all stages are important and contribute uniquely to an individual's life course.

4. Nine-month-old Avery can retrieve his ball when his mother hides it under a blanket. Avery has begun to master __________.

• A. the tertiary circular reaction
• B. reflexive schemes
• C. object permanence
• D. deferred imitation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Avery demonstrating the ability to retrieve his ball hidden under a blanket indicates that he has started to understand object permanence. Object permanence is the concept that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight. This milestone typically occurs around 8-12 months of age. The other choices are incorrect. Option A, the tertiary circular reaction, is related to Piaget's theory of sensorimotor development but does not specifically address object permanence. Reflexive schemes (Option B) refer to simple, reflex-like behaviors and are not directly linked to object permanence. Deferred imitation (Option D) involves the ability to imitate actions observed at an earlier time, which is a different developmental milestone compared to object permanence.

5. 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.

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