Nursing Elites

1. Like longitudinal research, cross-sectional studies can be threatened by __________.

• A. practice effects
• B. participant dropout
• C. sequential timing
• D. cohort effects

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cross-sectional studies can be threatened by cohort effects because different age groups may have experienced different historical or social contexts, influencing the results. This disparity can lead to invalid comparisons between age groups, confounding the study's findings. Option A, practice effects, refer to changes in participants' behavior due to repeated testing, not a specific threat to cross-sectional studies. Participant dropout (Option B) is a threat related to attrition in longitudinal studies, not cross-sectional studies. Sequential timing (Option C) does not pose a threat to cross-sectional studies; instead, it refers to the order of tasks in a study design.

2. Dr. George predicted that positive reinforcement would increase prosocial behavior in preschoolers. Dr. George's prediction is an example of a __________.

• A. theory
• B. research question
• C. hypothesis
• D. research design

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dr. George's prediction that positive reinforcement would increase prosocial behavior in preschoolers is an example of a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction about the relationship between variables based on existing knowledge or theories. In this case, Dr. George is making a prediction about the effect of positive reinforcement on prosocial behavior, which can be tested through research. Choice A, 'theory,' is incorrect because a theory is a broader explanation that integrates a range of findings and observations. Choice B, 'research question,' is incorrect as it refers to an inquiry that asks about the relationship between variables but lacks the specificity and testability of a hypothesis. Choice D, 'research design,' is incorrect as it pertains to the overall strategy or plan for conducting a research study, not the specific prediction Dr. George made.

3. Theorists who contend that powerful negative events in the first few years cannot be fully overcome by later, more positive ones emphasize __________.

• A. plasticity
• B. stability
• C. nurture
• D. discontinuity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Theorists who emphasize stability argue that powerful negative events early in life cannot be completely overcome by later, more positive experiences. They believe that early experiences have a lasting impact on development and are not easily erased or reversed by subsequent events. This perspective contrasts with the idea of plasticity, which suggests that development can be influenced by experiences at any point in life, and that individuals have the capacity for change and growth throughout the lifespan. 'Nurture' does not directly address the concept of overcoming negative events, while 'discontinuity' refers to developmental stages being separate and distinct, not the idea that negative events early in life persist despite later positive experiences.

4. Mothers who __________ have fewer birth complications and shorter labors.

• A. choose cesarean delivery
• B. give birth at home
• C. are supported by a trained companion during childbirth
• D. are administered epidural analgesia during childbirth

Correct answer: C

Rationale: According to research, mothers who are supported by a trained companion during childbirth have fewer birth complications and shorter labors. This support can reduce stress and anxiety levels, provide comfort and encouragement, and help the mother feel more in control during labor and delivery. Overall, having a trained companion present can contribute to a more positive childbirth experience for the mother. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the research findings that specifically highlight the benefits of having a trained companion during childbirth.

5. An experimental design __________.

• A. allows researchers to gather information in natural life circumstances without altering the participants' experiences
• B. looks at relationships between participants' characteristics and their behavior or development
• C. permits inferences about cause and effect because researchers evenhandedly assign people to treatment conditions
• D. has one major limitation: researchers cannot infer cause and effect

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An experimental design permits inferences about cause and effect because researchers evenhandedly assign people to treatment conditions. This means that researchers can manipulate certain variables and observe the effects on participants, allowing them to determine causation between variables. This is a key strength of experimental research designs. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the primary purpose or strength of experimental designs. Experimental designs do not focus on gathering information in natural life circumstances (A), looking at relationships between characteristics and behavior (B), or have the limitation of not being able to infer cause and effect (D).

Similar Questions