Nursing Elites

1. Longitudinal research can identify common patterns as well as individual differences in development because the investigator __________.

• A. studies groups of participants differing in age at the same point in time
• B. randomly assigns participants to treatment conditions
• C. tracks the performance of each person over time
• D. conducts quasi-experiments, comparing conditions that already exist

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Longitudinal research involves tracking the performance of each person over time. By doing so, researchers can observe common patterns in development among a group of individuals and also identify individual differences in how each person progresses over time. This methodology allows researchers to gather data on the same individuals repeatedly, offering insights into how development unfolds over the lifespan. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because longitudinal research focuses on observing individuals over time rather than studying groups at a single point, randomly assigning participants to treatments, or conducting quasi-experiments.

2. Which research method is an outgrowth of psychoanalytic theory?

• A. naturalistic observation
• B. structured observation
• C. ethnography
• D. the clinical method

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The clinical method is an outgrowth of psychoanalytic theory. This method involves in-depth, one-on-one interviews or therapy sessions to explore an individual's unconscious thoughts and emotions. It aims to gain insight into the underlying causes of behavior and psychological issues, aligning with the foundational principles of psychoanalytic theory developed by Sigmund Freud. Choices A, B, and C are not directly associated with psychoanalytic theory. Naturalistic observation, structured observation, and ethnography focus on observing behavior in natural settings, systematic observation in controlled environments, and studying cultures and societies, respectively, which are not specific to the psychoanalytic approach.

3. In an experiment, the independent variable __________.

• A. is the one the investigator expects to be influenced by another variable
• B. is the one the investigator expects to cause changes in another variable
• C. cannot be manipulated or controlled by the researcher
• D. is the number that describes how two measures are associated with each other

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In an experiment, the independent variable is the one that the investigator expects to cause changes in another variable. It is the factor that is deliberately manipulated or changed by the researcher to observe its effects on the dependent variable. The purpose of manipulating the independent variable is to study its impact on the outcome, allowing researchers to establish cause-and-effect relationships in their investigations. Choice A is incorrect because the independent variable is not influenced but rather influences another variable. Choice C is incorrect as the independent variable is intentionally manipulated by the researcher. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to a different concept unrelated to the independent variable in an experiment.

4. Which statement describes a limitation of the clinical method?

• A. It may not yield observations typical of participants’ behavior in everyday life.
• B. Researchers cannot control conditions under which participants are observed.
• C. The findings cannot be applied to individuals other than the participant.
• D. It does not usually yield rich, descriptive insights into factors that affect development. Answer: C Page Ref: 30 Skill Level: Understand Topic: Studying Development Difficulty Level: Moderate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The statement that describes a limitation of the clinical method is that the findings cannot be applied to individuals other than the participant. The clinical method typically involves in-depth studies of individual participants, which may limit generalizability to a broader population. This means that the findings from a clinical study may not be applicable to other individuals who are not directly involved in the study.

5. According to cognitive-developmental theory, a scheme is __________.

• A. an internal process that occurs apart from any contact with the environment
• B. the understanding that objects continue to exist when out of sight
• C. the ability to copy the behavior of others
• D. an organized way of making sense of experience

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In cognitive-developmental theory, a scheme is an organized way of making sense of experience. This term refers to mental structures or frameworks that help individuals interpret and understand the world around them. Choice A is incorrect because schemes are developed through interaction with the environment. Choice B refers to object permanence, a concept from Piaget's theory of cognitive development, not schemes. Choice C describes observational learning, which is different from the concept of schemes in cognitive development.

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