BEd Bachelor of Education Educational Psychology and Motivation 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which psychologist is best known for the concept of the 'zone of proximal development' (ZPD)?
- Jean Piaget
- Lev Vygotsky (Correct answer)
- B.F. Skinner
- Erik Erikson
Correct answer: Lev Vygotsky
Lev Vygotsky introduced the ZPD to describe the gap between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance.
Question 2: According to Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which level must be satisfied before a student can focus on self-esteem needs?
- Cognitive needs
- Belonging and love needs (Correct answer)
- Transcendence needs
- Aesthetic needs
Correct answer: Belonging and love needs
Maslow's hierarchy places belonging and love needs (social needs) directly below esteem needs, so students must feel a sense of connection before building self-esteem.
Question 3: A teacher uses praise, stickers, and extra recess to encourage desired behavior. This approach is rooted in which learning theory?
- Constructivism
- Humanism
- Behaviorism (Correct answer)
- Cognitivism
Correct answer: Behaviorism
Behaviorism, associated with Skinner and Pavlov, focuses on using external reinforcement and rewards to shape student behavior.
Question 4: Carol Dweck's research on mindset suggests that students with a 'growth mindset' believe:
- Intelligence is fixed at birth
- Effort and practice can develop ability (Correct answer)
- Only gifted students can excel
- Failure should be avoided at all costs
Correct answer: Effort and practice can develop ability
Students with a growth mindset believe that intelligence and skills can be developed through dedication and hard work.
Question 5: Which type of motivation refers to performing a task for its own inherent satisfaction rather than for an external reward?
- Extrinsic motivation
- Instrumental motivation
- Intrinsic motivation (Correct answer)
- Competitive motivation
Correct answer: Intrinsic motivation
Intrinsic motivation comes from within the learner and is driven by interest, curiosity, or enjoyment of the task itself.
Question 6: In Piaget's theory, the process of modifying existing schemas to accommodate new information is called:
- Assimilation
- Equilibration
- Accommodation (Correct answer)
- Conservation
Correct answer: Accommodation
Accommodation occurs when a learner adjusts or creates new schemas because existing ones cannot fully explain a new experience.
BEd Bachelor of Education Educational Psychology and Motivation 1
Which psychologist is best known for the concept of the 'zone of proximal development' (ZPD)?