Chapter 6

Question 1

1. The basis for verbal learning theory came from which of the following research discoveries?
   A. Humans can proficiently learn more than one language.
   B. All humans can learn language at an early age.
   C. Language based learning could not be described by the behaviorist perspective alone.
   D. Behaviorists did not want to be associated with language learning research.

Answer 1

C. Language based learning could not be described by the behaviorist perspective alone.

Question 2

Three of the following are assumptions that underlie contemporary cognitive theories of learning. Which one is not such an assumption?
A. Humans often learn by relating new information to what they already know.
B. Researchers can study mental events only by abandoning objectivity.
C. Mental events can be studied indirectly by observing behavior.
D. Humans sometimes learn differently than other species do.

Answer 2

B. Researchers can study mental events only by abandoning objectivity.

Question 3

3. Contemporary cognitive theory asserts that humans are actively involved in their own learning. This assertion is most closely aligned to which theory?
 A. Cognitive developmental
 B. Social cognitive
 C. Cognitive neuroscience
   D. Cognitive behavioral

Answer 3

B. Social Cognitive

Question 4

In a series of experiments, Tolman investigated the role of reinforcement in learning. Which one of the following conclusions emerged from his research?
A. Reinforcement is important only if the organism is unmotivated.
B. Reinforcement is distracting, so interferes with learning.
C. Reinforcement is essential for learning, but not for performance.
D. Responses can be learned even when they are not reinforced.

Answer 4

D. Responses can be learned even when they are not reinforced.

Question 5

11. People are more likely to perceive this configuration of shapes: ∆ ∆ ∆ ∆ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ $ $ $ $ • • • • as four rows rather than as four columns. Which one of the following Gestaltist concepts best accounts for this phenomenon?
 A. Similarity
 B. Closure
   C. Proximity
 D. Prägnanz

Answer 5

A. similarity

Question 6

The theories of Edward Tolman and the Gestalt psychologists were similar with respect to one of the following alternatives. Which one?
A. Research with human subjects
B. An emphasis on how knowledge is organized
C. An emphasis on cognitive maps
D. The law of Prägnanz

Answer 6

B. An emphasis on how knowledge is organized

Question 7

John and Jenny are both taking the same math test on Friday. John studies for 6 hours on Thursday. Jenny studies for 2 hours per day on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. According to research consistent with the verbal learning theory, which student should perform better on the math exam and why?
A. Jenny, because she studied for more days overall.
B. Neither, they would perform the same because they both studied for the same amount of time overall.
C. John, because all of his studying was massed together.
D. Jenny, because her studying was distribute over time.

Answer 7

D. Jenny, because her studying was distributed over time.

Question 8

Based on findings from verbal learning research, which list of 3-letter syllables should be easiest to learn?
   A. CAR, DOG, BUN
 B. XDP, MFC, RLJ
 C. BUX, RIJ, NOP
 D. TUN, FOT, AOR

Answer 8

A. CAR, DOG, BUN

Question 9

Contemporary information processing theories of learning can best be described as theories that:
A. Propose that people learn in distinctly computer-like ways
B. Explain how people interpret and remember the events they experience
C. Deal primarily with how people develop the ability to think abstractly
D. Focus on how people solve problems

Answer 9

B. Explain how people interpret and remember the events they experience

Question 10

Which one of the following scenarios best reflects the basic idea of individual constructivism?
A. A student practices playing the F major scale on his violin until he can play it perfectly.
B. A teacher assigns a laboratory activity using cumbersome equipment that students can only use successfully by working in pairs.
C. A student tries to make sense of a poorly written and confusing magazine article.
D. Four students in a study group divide the day’s reading assignment into four sections. Each student reads a section and then teaches the material to the other group members.

Answer 10

C. A student tries to make sense of a poorly written and confusing magazine article.