Learning Theories and Instructional Approaches Flashcards

Which psychologist is credited with developing the theory of operant conditioning, which uses reinforcement and punishment to shape behavior?

Answer: B.F. Skinner

B.F. Skinner developed operant conditioning, demonstrating how behavior is shaped through reinforcement (increasing behavior) and punishment (decreasing behavior).

Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) refers to:

Answer: The gap between what a learner can do alone and what they can do with guidance

The ZPD is the distance between a learner's actual developmental level (independent performance) and the level achievable with adult or peer guidance.

In Bloom's Taxonomy (revised), which cognitive level represents the HIGHEST order of thinking?

Answer: Creating

In the revised Bloom's Taxonomy, 'Creating' is the highest level, requiring learners to synthesize information to produce something new.

According to Piaget, during which stage do children begin to think logically about abstract concepts?

Answer: Formal Operational

The Formal Operational stage (approximately age 12+) is when adolescents develop the capacity for abstract reasoning and hypothetical thinking.

Albert Bandura's social learning theory emphasizes that learning occurs primarily through:

Answer: Observation and imitation of others

Bandura argued that much of human learning happens through observing and imitating models, not just direct reinforcement — a process he called observational learning.

Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences challenges traditional education by arguing that:

Answer: Intelligence encompasses many distinct abilities beyond verbal and logical-mathematical skills

Gardner proposed at least eight types of intelligence (e.g., musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic), suggesting schools should value and teach to diverse strengths.

Classical conditioning, as demonstrated by Pavlov, involves:

Answer: Pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to produce a conditioned response

Pavlov showed that a neutral stimulus (bell) repeatedly paired with an unconditioned stimulus (food) eventually triggers a conditioned response (salivation) on its own.