What is the goal of applied behavior analysis?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "eliminate undesirable behaviors and increase desirable responses." Applied behavior analysis aims to modify behavior by focusing on eliminating unwanted behaviors and reinforcing desirable ones. It does not primarily deal with changes in temperament (choice A), self-perception (choice C), or personality traits (choice D). The approach involves techniques such as reinforcement to target specific behaviors, rather than broader cognitive processes or personality characteristics.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Dr. Anderson should use an experimental design to determine the cause-and-effect relationship between domestic violence and anger in children. In an experimental design, the researcher manipulates the independent variable (in this case, exposure to domestic violence) to observe its effect on the dependent variable (anger in children). This design allows for the establishment of a cause-and-effect relationship by controlling for other variables that may influence the outcomes. Observational design (Choice B) involves observing subjects in their natural environment without interference, correlational design (Choice C) examines the relationship between variables without manipulating them, and structured design (Choice A) typically refers to a study with predetermined procedures and data collection methods, which may not be suitable for establishing cause-and-effect relationships.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Anoxia during labor and delivery can cause cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, often due to a lack of oxygen during labor and delivery. Spina bifida (Choice A) is a neural tube defect that occurs during embryonic development and is not directly caused by anoxia during labor. Anencephaly (Choice B) is a severe neural tube defect where the baby is born without parts of the brain and skull, not typically caused by anoxia during labor. Muscular dystrophy (Choice D) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and is not directly related to anoxia during labor and delivery.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The harm done by teratogens depends on the age at the time of exposure. This means that the effects may vary depending on the developmental stage of the fetus when exposed to the teratogen. Teratogens can have different impacts at different stages of pregnancy, leading to a range of potential outcomes in terms of physical and/or cognitive development. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the harm caused by teratogens is not straightforward, may not be apparent at birth, and can go beyond physical damage, affecting cognitive development as well.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: According to operant conditioning theory, the frequency of a behavior can be increased by following it with a wide variety of reinforcers. In operant conditioning, behaviors are shaped through reinforcement, which can be positive (rewarding) or negative (removal of something unpleasant). By providing reinforcement following a behavior, the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future is increased. This supports the notion that the frequency of a behavior can be increased by using reinforcers in operant conditioning. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because operant conditioning focuses on the relationship between behavior and its consequences through reinforcement (positive or negative) to increase the likelihood of the behavior recurring, rather than punishment, cultural influences, or the development of the id based on societal values.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A sequential design permits researchers to check if cohort effects are operating. This design involves combining cross-sectional and longitudinal research, allowing for the comparison of different cohorts at different ages. By using this approach, researchers can determine if developmental changes observed are due to age or generation-specific factors. Therefore, a sequential design is valuable in addressing the potential influence of cohort effects on developmental outcomes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a sequential design does not neglect diversity in developmental outcomes, is not necessarily less efficient than a longitudinal design, and can make both cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: During the first week of pregnancy, the zygote (fertilized egg) undergoes rapid cell divisions and forms a blastocyst. This is a crucial stage where the cells differentiate and specialize, setting the foundation for the development of the embryo. It is during this time that the zygote implants itself into the uterine wall, initiating the process of pregnancy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because during the first week of pregnancy, the focus is on the initial development and multiplication of the zygote, not on the development of heart muscles, a primitive brain and spinal cord, or the embryo's ability to move.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Mateo, being born prematurely to a cocaine-addicted mother, is at risk for several health issues. One common effect of prenatal drug exposure is a higher likelihood of sensory and regulatory problems, such as having abnormally shrill and piercing cries. This is a potential outcome that Mateo's caregivers can expect due to his circumstances. Choice A is incorrect as there is no direct correlation between being born prematurely to a cocaine-addicted mother and being very attentive to the environment. Choice C is incorrect as overcoming harmful effects of drug exposure by age 3 is overly optimistic and may not be the case for all children exposed to drugs prenatally. Choice D is incorrect as rapid motor development is not typically associated with prenatal drug exposure.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine structure in the ovary that forms after ovulation. It secretes hormones, particularly progesterone, which help prepare the uterine lining for possible implantation of a fertilized ovum. This process is crucial for maintaining a potential pregnancy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is inaccurate as fertilization typically occurs in the fallopian tubes. Choice C describes the fallopian tubes, not the corpus luteum. Choice D refers to the ovaries, not specifically the corpus luteum.