Learning Theories & Psychology Flashcards

A GED student who recently failed a math exam tells the teacher, 'I'm just not a math person — I'll never get it.' According to Carol Dweck's research, this student is demonstrating which type of mindset?

Answer: Fixed mindset

A fixed mindset, as described by Dweck, is the belief that abilities are innate and unchangeable, leading to avoidance of challenge.

Which learning theory emphasizes that knowledge is actively constructed by the learner through experience and reflection, rather than passively received from an instructor?

Answer: Constructivism

Constructivism, associated with Piaget and Vygotsky, holds that learners build their own understanding through active engagement with experiences.

An adult GED learner is motivated to earn their diploma primarily to feel a sense of personal accomplishment and mastery, not for external rewards. This is best described as which type of motivation?

Answer: Intrinsic motivation

Intrinsic motivation comes from internal satisfaction and personal value, rather than external rewards or pressures.

Piaget's concept of 'disequilibrium' refers to which cognitive state in the learning process?

Answer: A mental discomfort that arises when new information conflicts with existing schemas

Disequilibrium occurs when new experiences cannot be assimilated into existing schemas, creating cognitive conflict that drives accommodation and learning.

A GED instructor provides scaffolding by giving hints and partial solutions, then gradually withdraws support as students gain competence. This instructional approach most directly reflects which concept?

Answer: Fading

Fading is the gradual removal of instructional supports as the learner becomes more capable, a technique derived from Vygotsky's ZPD and behavioral shaping.

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which need must be met before a GED student can focus effectively on learning and academic achievement?

Answer: Safety and physiological needs

Maslow's hierarchy requires that physiological and safety needs be satisfied before learners can effectively pursue higher-level cognitive and esteem needs.

In information processing theory, which component acts as the initial brief storage system that holds sensory data for a very short duration before it is either processed further or lost?

Answer: Sensory memory

Sensory memory (also called the sensory register) holds incoming sensory information for only milliseconds to a few seconds before selective attention moves it to working memory.