TA Learning Theories & Psychology 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences challenges traditional IQ testing primarily by arguing that:
- Intelligence is entirely inherited and fixed
- Intelligence is a single measurable general factor
- Human intelligence encompasses many distinct types of abilities (Correct answer)
- Only linguistic and logical skills predict academic success
Correct answer: Human intelligence encompasses many distinct types of abilities
Gardner proposed at least eight distinct intelligences (e.g., musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic), arguing that intelligence is multifaceted.
Question 2: Piaget's concept of 'assimilation' refers to:
- Changing an existing schema to fit new information
- Absorbing new information into an existing schema (Correct answer)
- Creating a brand-new schema for novel experiences
- Returning to an earlier stage of development under stress
Correct answer: Absorbing new information into an existing schema
Assimilation is the process of interpreting new experiences through the lens of existing schemas without changing those schemas.
Question 3: A TA gives a student a token for every five homework assignments completed; tokens are later exchanged for privileges. This system is an example of:
- Fixed-ratio reinforcement schedule (Correct answer)
- Variable-ratio reinforcement schedule
- Fixed-interval reinforcement schedule
- Continuous reinforcement schedule
Correct answer: Fixed-ratio reinforcement schedule
A fixed-ratio schedule delivers reinforcement after a set number of responses—here, every fifth assignment.
Question 4: According to Bloom's Taxonomy (revised), which cognitive level requires a student to judge the value or quality of information using criteria?
- Applying
- Analyzing
- Evaluating (Correct answer)
- Creating
Correct answer: Evaluating
Evaluating involves making judgments about the value of ideas or materials based on established criteria, sitting just below Creating in the taxonomy.
Question 5: A child who fears dogs after being bitten but later also fears cats is demonstrating which classical conditioning phenomenon?
- Extinction
- Spontaneous recovery
- Stimulus generalization (Correct answer)
- Stimulus discrimination
Correct answer: Stimulus generalization
Stimulus generalization occurs when a conditioned response transfers to stimuli that are similar to the original conditioned stimulus.
Question 6: Which theorist is most closely associated with the concept of 'scaffolding' as a teaching strategy?
- Jean Piaget
- B.F. Skinner
- Lev Vygotsky (Correct answer)
- Albert Bandura
Correct answer: Lev Vygotsky
Although the term 'scaffolding' was coined by Wood, Bruner, and Ross, it directly extends Vygotsky's ZPD framework of supported learning.
Question 7: A student who performs poorly on a test but attributes the failure to a 'bad day' rather than lack of preparation is demonstrating:
- Internal locus of control
- External locus of control (Correct answer)
- Self-efficacy
- Metacognition
Correct answer: External locus of control
External locus of control involves attributing outcomes to outside forces (luck, circumstances) rather than one's own actions.
TA Learning Theories & Psychology 3
Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences challenges traditional IQ testing primarily by arguing that: