GED Learning Theories & Psychology 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A GED instructor notices that adult learners perform better on tests when they study material in the same room where they will be tested. This phenomenon is best explained by which learning concept?
- Transfer-appropriate processing
- State-dependent learning
- Context-dependent memory (Correct answer)
- Encoding specificity principle
Correct answer: Context-dependent memory
Context-dependent memory refers to improved recall when the retrieval environment matches the encoding environment.
Question 2: According to Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory, an adult GED student in their 30s who struggles with feeling unproductive at work and at home is most likely experiencing conflict in which stage?
- Identity vs. Role Confusion
- Intimacy vs. Isolation
- Generativity vs. Stagnation (Correct answer)
- Integrity vs. Despair
Correct answer: Generativity vs. Stagnation
Generativity vs. Stagnation is Erikson's stage for middle adulthood, centering on contributing to society and the next generation.
Question 3: A teacher uses token economies in the GED classroom where students earn points redeemable for privileges. This strategy is most directly derived from which theorist's work?
- Carl Rogers
- Jean Piaget
- B.F. Skinner (Correct answer)
- Lev Vygotsky
Correct answer: B.F. Skinner
Token economies are a direct application of Skinner's operant conditioning, using secondary reinforcers to shape behavior.
Question 4: Which concept from cognitive load theory suggests that instructors should avoid presenting redundant information in multiple formats simultaneously because it wastes limited working memory resources?
- Germane load
- Intrinsic load
- Redundancy effect (Correct answer)
- Split-attention effect
Correct answer: Redundancy effect
The redundancy effect in cognitive load theory states that presenting the same information in multiple redundant formats increases extraneous load unnecessarily.
Question 5: In observational learning, which process described by Bandura refers to a learner's belief in their own ability to successfully perform a modeled behavior?
- Retention
- Reproduction
- Motivation
- Self-efficacy (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Self-efficacy
Self-efficacy is the learner's confidence in their ability to execute a behavior, which Bandura identified as critical for translating observation into action.
Question 6: A GED math instructor breaks a complex algebra problem into small sequential steps and provides corrective feedback at each stage. This approach most closely reflects which instructional theory?
- Discovery learning
- Programmed instruction (Correct answer)
- Experiential learning
- Inquiry-based learning
Correct answer: Programmed instruction
Programmed instruction, rooted in behaviorism, involves breaking content into small steps with immediate feedback after each response.
Question 7: Which type of long-term memory stores facts and general world knowledge, such as knowing that the capital of France is Paris?
- Procedural memory
- Episodic memory
- Semantic memory (Correct answer)
- Implicit memory
Correct answer: Semantic memory
Semantic memory stores general factual knowledge and concepts that are not tied to personal experiences.
GED Learning Theories & Psychology 4
A GED instructor notices that adult learners perform better on tests when they study material in the same room where they will be tested.
This phenomenon is best explained by which learning concept?