GED Learning Theories & Psychology 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 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?
- Growth mindset
- Fixed mindset (Correct answer)
- Defensive pessimism
- Learned optimism
Correct answer: Fixed mindset
A fixed mindset, as described by Dweck, is the belief that abilities are innate and unchangeable, leading to avoidance of challenge.
Question 2: Which learning theory emphasizes that knowledge is actively constructed by the learner through experience and reflection, rather than passively received from an instructor?
- Behaviorism
- Cognitivism
- Constructivism (Correct answer)
- Humanism
Correct answer: Constructivism
Constructivism, associated with Piaget and Vygotsky, holds that learners build their own understanding through active engagement with experiences.
Question 3: 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?
- Extrinsic motivation
- Instrumental motivation
- Intrinsic motivation (Correct answer)
- Incentive motivation
Correct answer: Intrinsic motivation
Intrinsic motivation comes from internal satisfaction and personal value, rather than external rewards or pressures.
Question 4: Piaget's concept of 'disequilibrium' refers to which cognitive state in the learning process?
- A state of complete understanding where no new learning is needed
- A mental discomfort that arises when new information conflicts with existing schemas (Correct answer)
- The process of matching new information to existing schemas without change
- The final stage of cognitive development in adults
Correct 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.
Question 5: 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?
- Classical conditioning
- Fading (Correct answer)
- Extinction
- Negative reinforcement
Correct 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.
Question 6: According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which need must be met before a GED student can focus effectively on learning and academic achievement?
- Esteem needs
- Cognitive needs
- Safety and physiological needs (Correct answer)
- Self-actualization
Correct 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.
Question 7: 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?
- Working memory
- Long-term memory
- Sensory memory (Correct answer)
- Procedural memory
Correct 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.
GED Learning Theories & Psychology 5
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?