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.
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According to psychosexual theory, what is crucial for healthy personality development?
- A. Children actively construct knowledge as they manipulate and explore the world.
- B. Directly observable events are the appropriate focus of psychological study.
- C. How parents manage their child's sexual and aggressive drives in the first few years.
- D. The ego makes a positive contribution to development, acquiring attitudes and skills.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to psychosexual theory, developed by Sigmund Freud, how parents manage their child's sexual and aggressive drives in the first few years is crucial for healthy personality development. This theory suggests that personality development is heavily influenced by a child's experiences during early stages of development, particularly related to handling sexual and aggressive impulses. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the core principles of psychosexual theory, which focuses on the importance of early childhood experiences, especially in the context of sexual and aggressive drives.
Which statement about epidural analgesia is true?
- A. It numbs the entire lower half of the body.
- B. It limits pain reduction to the pelvic region.
- C. It strengthens uterine contractions.
- D. It shortens the length of labor.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct statement about epidural analgesia is that it limits pain reduction to the pelvic region by blocking nerve signals from that specific area, providing pain relief during labor and delivery. Choice A is incorrect because epidural analgesia does not numb the entire lower half of the body. Choice C is incorrect because epidural analgesia does not strengthen uterine contractions; in fact, it may sometimes weaken them. Choice D is incorrect because epidural analgesia does not shorten the length of labor; it can sometimes prolong labor.
Dr. Dias's research shows that the death of a spouse in old age is correlated with a decline in the surviving partner's physical health. Which conclusion is supported by this study?
- A. The death of a spouse causes a decline in the surviving partner's physical health.
- B. The death of a spouse is related to a decline in the surviving partner's physical health.
- C. A decline in a surviving partner's physical health can cause the death of a spouse.
- D. A third variable, such as memory loss, causes a surviving partner's decline in physical health following the death of a spouse.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dr. Dias's research findings indicate a correlation between the death of a spouse and a decline in the surviving partner's physical health. This correlation suggests a relationship between the two variables, but it does not necessarily imply a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Therefore, the correct conclusion supported by this study is option B - 'The death of a spouse is related to a decline in the surviving partner's physical health.' Option A is too direct in its causation claim, which is not proven by correlation alone. Option C reverses the cause and effect relationship suggested by the research. Option D introduces an unrelated third variable, which is not supported by the study's findings.
What is one limitation of the ethnographic method?
- A. Investigators' cultural values sometimes lead them to misinterpret what they see.
- B. It provides little information on how children and adults actually behave.
- C. It relies on unobtrusive techniques, such as surveillance cameras and one-way mirrors.
- D. It provides little information about the reasoning behind participants' responses.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The limitation of the ethnographic method is that investigators' cultural values sometimes lead them to misinterpret what they see. This can introduce bias into the observations and potentially impact the accuracy of the findings. It is important for researchers to be aware of their own biases and strive to minimize their influence when conducting ethnographic studies. Choice B is incorrect because ethnographic methods actually aim to provide rich information on how individuals behave within their cultural contexts. Choice C is incorrect as ethnographic methods typically involve direct observation and participation rather than unobtrusive techniques like surveillance cameras. Choice D is incorrect because one of the strengths of ethnographic research is its ability to uncover the reasoning behind participants' responses by immersing the researcher in the cultural setting.
Who is generally regarded as the founder of the child study movement?
- A. Arnold Gesell was among the first to write child-rearing books for parents
- B. Arnold Gesell is generally regarded as the founder of the child study movement
- C. Arnold Gesell foreshadowed lifespan research by writing a book on aging
- D. Arnold Gesell constructed the first successful intelligence test
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Arnold Gesell is generally regarded as the founder of the child study movement, emphasizing the importance of observing and documenting children's behaviors to understand their development. While he was a significant figure in child development research, he did not specifically write child-rearing books for parents, foreshadow lifespan research, or construct the first successful intelligence test. Choice A is incorrect as Gesell's focus was more on research rather than writing child-rearing books. Choice C is incorrect as Gesell's main contributions were in child development, not specifically in aging research. Choice D is incorrect as Gesell is not credited with constructing the first successful intelligence test.