Nursing Elites

1. The process of ________ is used to increase the probability that a behavior will occur.

• A. operant conditioning
• B. reinforcement
• C. classical conditioning
• D. punishment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is reinforcement. Reinforcement involves providing a consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. Operant conditioning (Choice A) refers to learning through consequences for behavior, which includes reinforcement and punishment. Classical conditioning (Choice C) involves forming associations between stimuli and involuntary responses. Punishment (Choice D) involves providing a consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. In this context, the question specifically asks about a process that increases the probability of a behavior occurring, aligning with the concept of reinforcement.

2. Genes ________

• A. determine how a person will behave.
• B. cause people to develop mental disorders.
• C. determine what characteristics a person will have.
• D. determine the range of characteristics a person has.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Genes determine the range of characteristics a person has. Choice A is incorrect because genes do not solely determine behavior, as behavior is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Choice B is incorrect because while genes can contribute to the risk of developing mental disorders, they do not directly cause them. Choice C is incorrect as genes contribute to but do not solely determine all characteristics a person will have.

3. How do defense mechanisms contribute to psychopathology?

• A. They do not contribute to psychopathology as they are healthy coping mechanisms.
• B. They contribute to psychopathology by allowing individuals to avoid confronting painful realities.
• C. Defense mechanisms have no connection to psychopathology.
• D. Defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies that can lead to the development of psychopathology.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Defense mechanisms contribute to psychopathology by allowing individuals to avoid confronting painful realities. This avoidance can prevent individuals from dealing with underlying issues, leading to the development or exacerbation of psychopathological conditions. Choice A is incorrect because while defense mechanisms may serve as coping mechanisms, they can also contribute to psychopathology when used excessively or inappropriately. Choice C is incorrect as defense mechanisms are indeed connected to psychopathology. Choice D is incorrect because defense mechanisms, when maladaptive, can contribute to psychopathology rather than being considered healthy coping strategies.

4. Skinner would agree with all the following statements except:

• A. All behavior is governed by external consequences.
• B. Individuals have free will.
• C. Organisms tend to repeat responses that lead to positive outcomes.
• D. Organisms tend not to repeat responses that lead to neutral or negative outcomes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Skinner's behaviorist perspective emphasized that behavior is influenced by external factors and reinforcement, rather than individual free will. Therefore, Skinner would not agree with the statement that individuals have free will. Choices A, C, and D align with Skinner's beliefs as he believed that behavior is shaped by external consequences, organisms tend to repeat behaviors leading to positive outcomes, and organisms tend to avoid behaviors leading to neutral or negative outcomes.

5. Children raised in orphanages tend to have ________.

• A. more cortical gray matter than those raised by their parents.
• B. less cortical gray matter than those raised by their parents.
• C. more friendships than those raised by their parents.
• D. fewer friendships than those raised by their parents.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'less cortical gray matter than those raised by their parents.' Studies have shown that children raised in orphanages tend to have less cortical gray matter compared to those raised by their parents. This is due to the lack of individualized care, attention, and stimulation that can negatively impact brain development. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because there is no direct correlation between cortical gray matter and the number of friendships when comparing children raised in orphanages and those raised by their parents.

Similar Questions