Question

Psychologists Judith Rodin and Ellen Langer demonstrated the importance of having a sense of control in a classic series of studies with nursing home residents. One group of residents the "high-control" group was given the opportunity to make choices about their daily activities and to exercise control over their environment. For example, the residents were allowed to determine where they would receive visitors and when they would attend a movie screening. In contrast, the "low-control" group had little control over their daily activities. Decisions were made for them by the nursing home staff. Rodin and Langer found that having a sense of control over their environment had powerful effects on the nursing home residents. Eighteen months later, the high-control residents were more active, alert, sociable, and healthy than the low-control residents. Members of the high-control group were also more likely to be alive: twice as many of the low-control residents had died.

(Don H. Hockenbury and Sandra E. Hockenbury, Psychology)
What is the topic of this passage?
• different ways of responding to stress
• actions people can take to exercise control over their environment
• strategies for living a longer and healthier life
• how a sense of control affects nursing home residents

Answer 1

The topic of this passage is D. how a sense of control affects nursing home residents.

1. Introduction:

The passage introduces the psychologists Judith Rodin and Ellen Langer and their studies with nursing home residents. The main focus is on the importance of having a sense of control and how it affects the residents' well-being.

2. High-Control Group:

The passage describes the "high-control" group of residents who were given the opportunity to make choices and exercise control over their daily activities and environment. Examples are provided, such as determining visitation locations and movie screenings.

3. Low-Control Group:

In contrast, the "low-control" group had limited control over their daily activities, with decisions being made for them by the nursing home staff. The passage highlights the lack of control experienced by this group.

4. Effects of Control:

The passage reveals the findings of Rodin and Langer's studies. It states that the residents with a sense of control were more active, alert, sociable, and healthy compared to the low-control group. Additionally, it is mentioned that twice as many low-control residents had died compared to the high-control group.

The passage explores how a sense of control affects nursing home residents. Therefore, option D. is correct. It discusses the differences between the high-control and low-control groups and highlights the positive impact of having control over their daily activities and environment on the residents' well-being and even their longevity.