Educational Psychology: Core Concepts, Research Methods, Development, Diversity, and Behavior

What facilitates meaningful learning?

Connecting new ideas to existing knowledge stored in long-term memory.

What is the limitation of rote repetition in learning?

It stores isolated facts that are easily forgotten and difficult to apply.

Do self-reported learning styles improve learning outcomes?

No, matching instruction to a student's preferred style does not improve outcomes.

What drives student engagement in learning?

Classroom assessments influence how and what students study.

What are the two main research approaches in educational psychology?

Quantitative and Qualitative.

What does descriptive research aim to do?

Describe a situation, population, or phenomenon as it naturally exists.

What is a key limitation of correlational research?

It cannot prove one variable causes changes in another.

What is the primary goal of experimental research?

Establish direct cause-and-effect relationships via manipulated variables.

What does qualitative research explore?

Complex, context-dependent behaviors, perspectives, and experiences.

What is action research?

Systematic, teacher-led inquiries to address local classroom problems.

What is Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological Model?

A model that describes how a child's development is shaped by nested environmental systems.

What is the microsystem in Bronfenbrenner's model?

Immediate, direct environments such as family, school, and peer group.

What does Piaget's concept of 'scheme' refer to?

An organized pattern of thought or action used to understand the world.

What is assimilation in Piaget's theory?

Fitting new information into an existing scheme without altering the scheme.

What is accommodation in Piaget's theory?

Modifying an existing scheme or creating a new one to fit new information.

What is preoperational egocentrism?

The inability to view a situation from another person's perspective.

What is conservation in cognitive development?

Understanding that physical quantity remains unchanged despite changes in appearance.

What is centration in preoperational children?

Focusing on only one salient aspect, leading to a lack of conservation.

How should age ranges in Piaget's stages be treated?

As general guidelines rather than rigid milestones.

What are the benefits of bilingualism?

Promotes cognitive flexibility, enhanced executive functioning, and metalinguistic awareness.

What is the focus of Jean Piaget's theory?

Individual Constructivism, emphasizing learning through independent exploration.

What drives learning according to Lev Vygotsky?

Social interaction, guided by adult support and cultural context.

How can teachers support children exhibiting egocentrism?

By engaging them in perspective-taking activities.

What does 'Goodness of Fit' refer to in educational contexts?

The alignment between a student's temperament and the classroom environment.

How do self-beliefs affect student performance?

They shape academic choices, effort, persistence, and participation.

What roles do peers play in a child's development?

They provide companionship, emotional support, and opportunities for social problem-solving.

What is self-socialization?

The process by which students change their behaviors to conform to peer norms.

What characterizes popular peers?

They are well-liked and exhibit strong prosocial skills.

What behaviors are often seen in rejected peers?

Hyperactive, aggressive, or withdrawn behaviors.

What defines controversial peers?

They are both liked and disliked, showing mixed prosocial and aggressive traits.

What is a characteristic of neglected peers?

They are quiet or shy and infrequently noticed, but usually possess adequate social skills.

What is proactive aggression?

Deliberate, goal-oriented behavior used to achieve a desired outcome.

What is reactive aggression?

An impulsive response triggered by perceived threats or provocation.

What supporting conditions help high-energy students engage?

Dynamic, collaborative learning environments like group projects and discussions.

What conditions may require scaffolding for high-energy students?

Quiet, independent tasks or sustained direct instruction.

What is cultural competence in teaching?

Awareness of one's cultural identity and commitment to honoring diverse backgrounds.

What is the significance of group patterns vs. individual variation?

Variation within groups is greater than between groups; assumptions should not be made based on group trends.

What does authentic multicultural education involve?

Embedding diverse cultural perspectives across all content areas.

How do communication styles vary across cultures?

Differences may include eye contact, wait time, and overlapping speech.

What is the importance of gender equity in education?

Small statistical differences between genders should not dictate academic expectations.

What factors should be examined to identify at-risk students?

Academic performance, attendance, school connectedness, and individual life circumstances.

What is the difference between fluid and crystallized intelligence?

Fluid intelligence is the ability to think logically and solve novel problems, while crystallized intelligence is knowledge and cognitive skills gained through education and experience.

What does FAPE stand for in special education?

Free Appropriate Public Education, entitling eligible students with disabilities to tailored public education at no cost to parents.

What is the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) principle?

Mandates that students with disabilities be educated alongside non-disabled peers in general education settings to the maximum extent appropriate.

What is an IEP?

a legally binding document that specifies a student's current academic performance, measurable annual goals, required accommodations, and specialized services.

What are procedural safeguards in special education?

protect parental rights, requiring informed consent, written notice, and access to due process.

What does the term 'distributed intelligence' refer to?

refers to cognition that is spread across physical tools, symbolic systems, and social networks.

What is the purpose of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS)?

focuses on identifying the underlying function of a behavior and teaching appropriate replacement behaviors that fulfill the same needs constructively.

What is the ABC Functional Analysis Sequence?

Antecedent (environmental trigger), Behavior (observable action), and Consequence (maintaining reinforcer).

What is the difference between reinforcement and punishment?

Reinforcement increases the frequency of a target behavior, while punishment decreases it.

What is continuous reinforcement?

reinforces every instance of a target behavior, optimal for acquiring new behaviors.

What is intermittent reinforcement?

reinforces some instances of a target behavior, optimal for maintaining established behaviors.

What is shaping in behaviorism?

involves reinforcing successive approximations toward a complex target behavior.

What are tailored accommodations for students with ADHD?

Accommodations include manageable work blocks, visual schedules, timer cues, and built-in movement opportunities.

What strategies can support students with communication needs?

Incorporate Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices or visual supports to ensure access.

What is the role of enrichment in gifted education?

provides deeper, more complex tasks that extend beyond standard curriculum expectations.

What is acceleration in gifted education?

involves moving students through the standard academic curriculum at a faster pace or advanced grade level.

What should be considered when analyzing a student's participation in discussions?

Consider cultural communication norms, English language proficiency, and potential situational anxiety.

What is a potential action plan for a student who rarely speaks in class?

Maintain low-stakes checks for understanding, provide structured pair-share routines, and gradually scaffold participation into larger group settings.

What is the importance of maintaining academic expectations for students with communication difficulties?

Maintain high cognitive challenge by evaluating reasoning and content mastery rather than oral speech fluency.

What is the significance of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools?

provide alternative modes of expression for students who struggle with oral communication.

What is the impact of classical conditioning in a classroom setting?

can cause a neutral setting to trigger conditioned anxiety due to repeated negative experiences.

What is the goal of teaching replacement behaviors?

To fulfill the same function as the undesired behavior in a constructive way.

What is a potential scenario for a student who jokes during difficult tasks?

The student jokes to gain peer attention and escape the task, requiring a structured role or help card for support.