ACT Educational Psychology Principles 3

Question 1

Piaget's stage of cognitive development during which children develop logical thinking about concrete objects (ages 7–11) is called:

Accepted Answer

Concrete operational stage

Answer

The concrete operational stage is marked by logical reasoning applied to tangible objects, conservation understanding, and decreased egocentrism.

Question 2

A test administrator ensures that instructions are read verbatim from a standardized script. This practice primarily protects:

Accepted Answer

Standardization and reliability

Answer

Verbatim instructions maintain consistent testing conditions across administrations, which is essential for test reliability and valid score comparisons.

Question 3

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs suggests that which level of needs must be met before a student can effectively engage in self-actualization?

Accepted Answer

All lower-level needs including physiological, safety, belonging, and esteem

Answer

Maslow's hierarchy is sequential; self-actualization (reaching full potential) can only be pursued after physiological, safety, love/belonging, and esteem needs are satisfied.

Question 4

Which type of validity evidence demonstrates that a test measures the theoretical construct it claims to measure (e.g., 'reading comprehension' vs. 'test-taking speed')?

Accepted Answer

Construct validity

Answer

Construct validity confirms that the test actually measures the psychological or educational construct it purports to assess, not some other unintended variable.

Question 5

In operant conditioning, a behavior that increases because it removes an unpleasant stimulus is called:

Accepted Answer

Negative reinforcement

Answer

Negative reinforcement strengthens behavior by removing an aversive stimulus; for example, a student studies harder to avoid parental criticism.

ACT Practice Test

ACT Practice Test

ACT Educational Psychology Principles 3