Nursing Elites

1. Who is credited with establishing psychology as a distinct scientific field, separate from other disciplines?

• A. G. Stanley Hall
• B. René Descartes
• C. William James
• D. Wilhelm Wundt

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Wilhelm Wundt is the correct answer as he is credited with establishing psychology as a distinct scientific field. Wundt founded the first laboratory dedicated to experimental psychology in 1879, which marked the beginning of psychology as a separate discipline. While the other individuals mentioned in the choices have made significant contributions to the field of psychology, Wilhelm Wundt is specifically known for his pioneering work in establishing psychology as a unique and independent discipline.

2. In a discussion with your professor, she tells you that she believes that the focus of psychological study should be to break the conscious experience into its basic elements. Which of the following historical schools of thought is your professor's idea most consistent with?

• A. Behaviorism
• B. Functionalism
• C. Structuralism
• D. Psychoanalysis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Structuralism. Structuralism, as introduced by Wundt, aimed to break down mental processes into their most basic elements. This aligns with the idea of breaking the conscious experience into its fundamental components. Choice A, Behaviorism, focuses on observable behavior and not on breaking down conscious experience. Choice B, Functionalism, emphasizes the purpose of behavior rather than breaking it down into basic elements. Choice D, Psychoanalysis, delves into unconscious processes and conflicts, which is different from breaking down conscious experiences into basic elements.

3. Which school of psychology is associated with understanding the purpose of behavior?

• A. Functionalism.
• B. Behaviorism.
• C. Neodynamism.
• D. Psychoanalysis.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Functionalism. Functionalism, founded by William James, emphasizes understanding the purpose and adaptive function of behavior. This school of psychology focuses on how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment. Choice B, Behaviorism, is incorrect as behaviorism emphasizes observable behaviors rather than the purpose behind them. Choice C, Neodynamism, is not a recognized school of psychology. Choice D, Psychoanalysis, founded by Sigmund Freud, focuses on unconscious processes and early childhood experiences, not specifically on the purpose of behavior.

4. Dr. Smythe believes that in order to fully understand complex processes, such as taste, it is necessary to understand the purpose that taste plays in survival, not the elementary components that combine to produce taste sensations. Dr. Smythe's views are most consistent with?

• A. The behaviorist approach to psychology.
• B. The functionalist approach to psychology.
• C. The structuralist approach to psychology.
• D. The psychoanalytic approach to psychology.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dr. Smythe's belief that understanding the purpose of taste in survival is more critical than focusing on the elementary components aligns with the functionalist approach to psychology. Functionalism emphasizes understanding the purpose or function of mental processes and behavior, rather than just analyzing their individual components. This approach looks at how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment and survive. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not prioritize understanding the purpose of mental processes and behavior in the context of survival.

5. Who founded functionalism?

• A. John Watson.
• B. Sigmund Freud.
• C. William James.
• D. Wilhelm Wundt.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: William James is credited with founding functionalism, which emphasizes the adaptive purpose of consciousness. John Watson is associated with behaviorism, not functionalism. Sigmund Freud is known for psychoanalysis, and Wilhelm Wundt is considered the founder of modern psychology and structuralism, not functionalism.

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