Intro and Definitions

Question 1

Explain Bruner’s Constructivist theory of learning (2)

Answer 1

• learning is an active process
• learners construct new ideas/concepts based on their current and past knowledge

Question 2

How do psychologists define learning?

Answer 2

a relatively permanent change in behaviours and mental associations as a result of experience

Question 2

Define curiosity

Answer 2

the innate need to discover and understand the world

Question 2

Distinguish between perceptual (2) and epistemic curiosity

Answer 2

Perceptual
- when something surprises us or doesn’t match up with what we know
- diminishes as we grow old

Epistemic - innate love for knowledge and discovery

Question 3

How do external threats affect learning? (2)

Answer 3

external threats minimized –> learning which threatens self perception is accepted

no external threats –> perceiving experiences more clearly –> more effective learning

Question 4

What are some of Carl Rogers’ principles for facilitating learning? (3)

Answer 4

• natural potential to learn
• significant learning is achieved through doing
• most everlasting learning is self initiated

Question 5

What are components of a theory? (4)

Answer 5

• fact based framework
• testable concept/idea
• based upon a hypothesis
• supported through repeated experiments and evidence

Question 6

What are the 4 basic criteria for a theory?

Answer 6

1. conceptual definitions
2. domain limitations
3. relationship building
4. predictions

Question 7

What are 2 key components of psychological theories?

Answer 7

• describing a behaviour
• making predictions

Question 8

Name the theorists which have behavioristic perspectives (6)

Answer 8

Pavlov
Thorndike
Watson
Hull
Guthrie
Skinner

Question 9

Name the theorists which have interactionist perspectives (2)

Answer 9

Gagne
Bandura

Question 10

Name the theorists which have developmental interactionist perspectives (2)

Answer 10

Piaget
Vygotsky

Question 11

Define central cohesion

Answer 11

integrating details in order to understand the situation as a whole meaningful unit

Question 12

What are characteristics of executive function? (3)

Answer 12

• ability to plan and organize
• flexibility
• ability to anticipate and plan accordingly

Question 13

What is the theory of mind?

Answer 13

Understanding the intentions, beliefs, and thoughts of others and yourself

Question 14

What are the 3 steps of learning?

Answer 14

1. Thinking
2. Memorizing
3. Practice

Question 15

What are the basic integrities of learning? (4)

Answer 15

• Psychodynamic factors
• Peripheral nervous system
• Central nervous system
• Output (motor abilities)

Question 16

What are psychodynamic factors?

Answer 16

psychic and emotional states of the person

Question 17

What are 4 common factors found in the various definitions of learning?

Answer 17

• relatively permanent change
• experience
• capacity to behave
• reinforced behaviour (practice)

Question 18

Describe the relationship between learning and memory

Answer 18

memory is necessary but not sufficient to learning