Educational Psychology (EDUC 5283)

Correct Answer

A. Our belief in our ability to accomplish a task.

Explanation

Self-efficacy, as defined by social cognitive theorists like Albert Bandura, refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to successfully perform a particular task or behavior. It is not about whether the task is objectively difficult or easy, but about one's confidence in their own abilities to handle the task. Higher self-efficacy generally leads to greater persistence and effort in achieving goals.

Why other options are wrong

B. The same as optimism

While optimism involves a general positive outlook on life, self-efficacy is more specific to one’s belief in their ability to succeed in a given task. They are related but not the same; optimism is broader and self-efficacy is task-specific.

C. Our primary motive for personality

Self-efficacy is an important concept in motivation and behavior, but it is not the primary motive for personality. Personality is shaped by many factors, including genetic influences, environment, and social experiences, not just self-belief in abilities.

D. The opposite of self-actualization

Self-actualization refers to realizing one’s full potential and achieving personal growth, whereas self-efficacy relates specifically to the belief in one’s ability to accomplish specific tasks. They are not opposites but rather complementary concepts in the context of motivation and personal development.

Correct Answer

B. Enjoy playing with other kids

Explanation

Children aged 5-6 years are typically more social and enjoy engaging in play with other children. Peer interactions become more important at this stage, and they begin to understand social norms and engage in cooperative play. This is a key characteristic of this age group as they develop their social skills.

Why other options are wrong

A. Want to behave well, but are not as attentive to directions

This is incorrect because by the age of 5-6 years, children are typically more able to follow directions and understand the consequences of their behavior. While attention can vary, this age group generally becomes more attentive to guidance compared to younger children.

C. Start developing own identity

This is incorrect because while identity development does begin around this age, it becomes more prominent in later childhood and adolescence. At 5-6 years old, children are still in the early stages of forming their self-concept and are more focused on socializing and learning group norms.

D. Share secrets and jokes with friends

This is incorrect because while children at this age may start sharing jokes and secrets with friends, this behavior becomes more refined in later childhood. At 5-6 years, the social skills for sharing personal secrets and more complex humor are still in the early development stages.

Correct Answer

A. Join clubs or groups that align with their interests.

Explanation

The development of intimacy, as described in Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, is focused on forming meaningful and deep connections with others. Young adults who feel lonely and struggle with relationships can benefit from joining groups or clubs that align with their personal interests, as this provides an opportunity to meet like-minded people in a setting conducive to building close bonds. Shared activities or interests create natural grounds for fostering trust and intimacy.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

B. Focus on personal hobbies and interests.

While focusing on personal hobbies can promote self-development, it does not directly address the need for forming intimate relationships with others. Intimacy requires interaction with others, which cannot be achieved by isolating oneself with personal interests alone.

C. Rely on online dating apps exclusively.

Relying solely on online dating apps can limit meaningful connections as it may lead to superficial encounters. While online platforms can facilitate meeting new people, they may not provide the same depth of interaction or emotional connection that comes with engaging in person within group settings or social clubs.

D. Seek relationships through workplace connections.

Workplace relationships are often bound by professional dynamics, which can limit the ability to form truly intimate connections. Seeking intimacy solely in the workplace may also lead to complications in the professional environment, reducing opportunities for genuine emotional bonds.

Correct Answer

A. 7-10 pounds per year and 4-5 inches in height.

Explanation

During the middle childhood years (ages 6 to 12), children typically experience a period of steady, gradual growth. On average, they gain about 7-10 pounds per year and grow approximately 4-5 inches in height. This growth pattern is slower compared to the rapid growth seen in infancy and early childhood but remains a crucial period for physical development.

Why other options are wrong

B. 5-7 pounds per year and 2-3 inches in height.

This is an underestimation of the average growth. Children in middle childhood typically gain more weight and height, around 7-10 pounds and 4-5 inches, respectively. The numbers here are too low for this developmental stage.

C. 10-12 pounds per year and 1-2 inches in height.

This overestimates the typical weight gain and underestimates the height growth. Children in middle childhood usually grow 4-5 inches in height, not just 1-2 inches, and gain about 7-10 pounds rather than 10-12 pounds per year.

D. 5-7 pounds per year and 6-7 inches in height.

While the weight gain is somewhat correct, the height gain of 6-7 inches is too high. Children grow about 4-5 inches in height per year during middle childhood, not 6-7 inches.

Correct Answer

C. Focus on learning rather than end product

Explanation

Piaget’s classroom approach emphasizes the process of learning itself rather than just focusing on the end product. His theory stresses the importance of active engagement, exploration, and the child’s role in constructing knowledge. The focus is on providing experiences that allow students to explore concepts and develop cognitive abilities, rather than only achieving specific outcomes.

Why other options are wrong

A. Focusing on the end product of learning

This is not the main focus of Piaget’s classroom approach. Piaget believed that learning should be process-oriented, and the development of cognitive abilities is more important than simply achieving a final result or product.

B. Achieving specific learning outcomes

While outcomes may be important, Piaget’s theory focuses more on the journey of learning and how individuals construct knowledge through interaction with their environment, rather than solely on predefined outcomes. Therefore, this option does not fully capture his approach.

D. Emphasizing collaborative learning activities

Although Piaget did acknowledge the importance of social interaction in learning, his classroom approach primarily focuses on individual cognitive development through hands-on experiences and problem-solving. Collaborative learning is not the central aspect, so this option is somewhat misleading.

Correct Answer

B. Cry to get needs met

Explanation

At 2 months of age, infants primarily communicate through crying to signal their needs, such as hunger, discomfort, or the need for attention. Crying is the most common way for infants to express themselves at this stage, as they have not yet developed more sophisticated ways of communicating or interacting with their environment.

Why other options are wrong

A. Hold and shake toys to play

This is incorrect because at 2 months, infants do not yet have the physical coordination to hold or shake toys. They typically begin to engage with objects in this way around 3-4 months, when they gain more control over their hand movements.

C. Enjoy looking at self in the mirror

This is incorrect because self-recognition does not develop until later in infancy, typically around 6 months of age. At 2 months, infants do not yet have the cognitive ability to recognize themselves in a mirror.

D. Respond to emotions

This is incorrect because while infants may react to emotions from caregivers (e.g., smiling in response to a happy face), they do not yet have the capacity to fully understand or respond to emotions at 2 months. Emotional development progresses over time, with deeper emotional responses becoming more evident as the infant grows.

Correct Answer

B. Interpersonal

Explanation

Interpersonal intelligence refers to the ability to understand and interact effectively with others. It involves recognizing and understanding other people's moods, desires, motivations, and intentions. This intelligence is crucial for developing relationships and working cooperatively with others. People with strong interpersonal intelligence are typically skilled in communication, empathy, and understanding social cues.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

A. Visual-Spatial

This refers to the ability to recognize and use patterns of space and visual imagery. It is not related to understanding other people's emotions and motivations.

C. Intrapersonal

Intrapersonal intelligence refers to self-awareness and the ability to understand one's own emotions, motivations, and goals. It focuses on internal self-reflection rather than understanding others.

D. Naturalistic

Naturalistic intelligence involves recognizing and understanding the natural world, including animals, plants, and ecosystems. It is not related to social interactions or understanding people's emotions.

E. None of these

This option is incorrect because "Interpersonal" intelligence fits the description provided.

Correct Answer

B. The belief in one's own capability to execute actions required to achieve specific goals.

Explanation

Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their own ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish tasks. In educational psychology, self-efficacy plays a key role in motivating students to engage with learning material, persist through challenges, and achieve academic goals. It is closely related to motivation and can impact how students approach problem-solving and learning tasks.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

A. The ability to understand and manage one's emotions effectively

This describes emotional intelligence, not self-efficacy. Emotional intelligence involves recognizing and managing one's emotions, while self-efficacy is about confidence in one's ability to succeed in tasks or goals.

C. The process of learning through observation and imitation of others

This refers to observational learning or social learning theory, which focuses on how individuals learn by observing others. Self-efficacy is related to an individual’s belief in their own ability, not how they learn from others.

D. The reliance on external rewards to motivate behavior

This describes extrinsic motivation, which relies on external rewards such as grades or praise. Self-efficacy is about intrinsic belief in one's abilities, regardless of external rewards.

Correct Answer

C. Personal growth and fulfillment

Explanation

The top level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is Self-Actualization, which focuses on personal growth, fulfillment, and achieving one’s full potential. It represents the need to become the best version of oneself, engage in creative activities, and pursue meaningful goals. This is considered the highest level of psychological development, where individuals are motivated by personal growth rather than basic survival or social needs.

Why other options are wrong

A. Physiological needs

This is incorrect because physiological needs are at the bottom of Maslow's pyramid. These are the basic needs for survival, such as food, water, and sleep, which must be met before higher levels of needs can be pursued.

B. Safety and security

This is incorrect because safety and security are also lower on Maslow’s pyramid. These needs focus on physical safety, financial security, and protection from harm, which must be addressed before one can focus on personal growth.

D. Love and belonging

This is incorrect because love and belonging refer to the third level of Maslow’s pyramid. This level includes the need for relationships, friendships, intimacy, and social connection, which are important but come before self-actualization.