Glossary of Educational Psychology

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Questions and Answers

What purpose do schemas serve in our memory?

They help in encoding new information accurately.

They provide a classification system for storing similar information. (correct)

They are temporary storage for information.

They enhance the speed of information retrieval.

What does Self-Determination Theory primarily focus on?

The genetic basis of personality traits.

The effects of biological factors on motivation.

The role of social and cultural factors in motivation. (correct)

The importance of extrinsic motivation over intrinsic motivation.

What is the estimated capacity of working memory?

7 +/- 2 items (correct)

9 +/- 3 items

5 +/- 2 items

3 +/- 1 items

What does the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) measure?

The difference between what a learner can do independently and what they can do with guidance. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the function of working memory?

It processes information during the learning phase. Signup and view all the answers

Which three needs are emphasized in Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT) as essential for psychological well-being?

Autonomy, competence, and relatedness Signup and view all the answers

Which type of engagement is primarily concerned with students' emotional reactions to school?

Emotional Engagement Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Cognitive Load Theory?

The efficiency of information processing in learning environments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines 'cognition'?

The mental action of acquiring knowledge through various means Signup and view all the answers

What does 'extraneous cognitive load' refer to?

The difficulty of processing information due to irrelevant factors Signup and view all the answers

In the context of educational psychology, what is 'behavioral engagement' primarily associated with?

Participation in academic tasks and activities Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does 'cognitive engagement' NOT typically include?

Emotionally driven participation Signup and view all the answers

What role do educational psychologists primarily play?

To investigate principles that enhance educational outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What does intrinsic cognitive load refer to?

The innate difficulty of the task itself Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of Piaget's theory is characterized by the child's understanding of the world through sensory experiences and motor actions?

Sensorimotor stage Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of long-term memory in learning?

To make connections between working memory and previously learned knowledge Signup and view all the answers

During which stage do children begin to use symbols to represent objects and events?

Preoperational stage Signup and view all the answers

What can teachers do to help manage intrinsic cognitive load for learners?

Match the intrinsic load of a topic to the learner's experience Signup and view all the answers

How does Piaget's theory suggest children develop cognitive skills?

Through natural capacities and environmental interactions Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the formal operational stage of cognitive development?

Ability to think abstractly and reason hypothetically Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes extraneous cognitive load?

Distractions that hinder intended learning Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT)

BPNT emphasizes the significance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness for psychological well-being.
Contexts that support or thwart these basic needs significantly impact wellness.
Thwarting any of the three needs leads to distinct functional costs, highlighting their universality across cultures and development stages.

Behavioral Engagement

Refers to attendance, participation, and positive behavior in learning environments.
Involves active involvement in classroom activities, academic tasks, and school-related events.

Cognition

Defined as the mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge through thought, experience, and senses.

Cognitive Engagement

Involves a student's investment in learning, focusing on self-regulation and strategic use.
Characterized by thoughtfulness, effort in comprehending complex ideas, and acquisition of difficult skills.

Cognitive Load Theory

An instructional theory based on human cognitive limitations and how they affect learning.

Educational Psychology

This subfield examines the processes of teaching and learning, covering motivation, classroom management, assessment, and instructional strategies.
Investigates how different teaching methods impact student engagement and academic performance.

Emotional Engagement

Relates to positive (happy, interested, excited) and negative (anxiety, boredom) reactions to school and learning.
Feelings of belonging and valuing the school environment are also included.

Extraneous Cognitive Load

Refers to distractions that impede learning, often due to poorly designed learning materials.

Intrinsic Cognitive Load

Describes the inherent difficulty of a task; simpler tasks (e.g., recalling facts) have low intrinsic load compared to complex tasks (e.g., explaining relationships).

Long-term Memory

A storage system with vast capacity, allowing the retention of information for extended periods.
Involves connecting new information from working memory to existing knowledge.

Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development

Suggests that children's intelligence evolves in stages, influenced by interaction between natural ability and environmental experiences.
Identifies four stages:
- Sensorimotor Stage: Birth to 2 years - Understanding through sensory experiences.
- Preoperational Stage: 2 to 7 years - Use of symbols to represent objects and events.
- Concrete Operational Stage: 7 to 12 years - Logical thinking about concrete objects.
- Formal Operational Stage: 12 years and above - Abstract and hypothetical reasoning.

Schemas

Mental structures that categorize and store new information in long-term memory.
Can include various types such as behavioral schemas for specific activities.

Self-Determination Theory (SDT)

A framework for understanding human motivation, personality, and social development.
Differentiates between intrinsic and extrinsic sources of motivation, highlighting their impact on well-being and performance.

Working Memory

Holds and processes new information temporarily, facilitating tasks like reading and problem-solving.
Has a limited capacity, typically retaining around 7 +/- 2 items before information is forgotten or transferred to long-term memory.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

The gap between what learners can achieve independently and what they can achieve with guidance from a skilled partner.

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Description

Explore key terms and concepts related to educational psychology, focusing on Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT). This theory highlights the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in promoting psychological well-being and optimal functioning. Understand how these needs influence wellness in various contexts.