Deck 1: Educational Psychology: A Tool for Effective Teaching

Question 1

William James is responsible for writing the first psychology textbook Principles of Psychology, in 1890.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

One of the major figures in shaping the field of educational psychology was E. L. Thorndike.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

In 1954, Leta Hollingworth developed the concept of programmed learning, which involved reinforcing the student after a series of steps until the student reached a learning goal.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

According to a recent survey, the "best teachers" expect too much from students.

Question 5

Effective teachers fail to help students become self-motivated to learn.

Question 6

Effective teachers tend to be critical, aggressive, and manipulative when interacting with students.

Question 7

Ineffective teachers possess commitment and motivation.

Question 8

Being an effective teacher means paying attention to goal setting and planning.

Question 9

Grade level and age tend to be good predictors of children's development.

Question 10

Today, one of every five children in the United States is from an immigrant family.

Question 11

Effective teachers only use assessment to document their students' performance after instruction.

Question 12

Good interviews and surveys involve concrete, specific, and unambiguous questions.

Question 13

A standardized test often allows a student's performance to be compared with that of other students at the same age or grade level, in many cases on a national basis.

Question 14

Case studies are typically used when controlled research is conducted in the laboratory.

Question 15

If the results of correlational research indicate that two traits are highly correlated, then one trait most likely is the cause of the other.

Question 16

Which of the following researchers, during the late 1880s, argued for the importance of observing classrooms for improving education?

A) George Sanchez
B) William James
C) Kenneth Clark
D) Leta Hollingworth

Question 17

Who was the first individual to use the term "gifted" to describe students who scored exceptionally high on intelligence tests, and what year was this term first published by this researcher?

A) Leta Hollingworth, 1916
B) Mamie Clark, 1939
C) William James, 1951
D) John Dewey, 1962

Question 18

According to the text, who established the first major educational psychology laboratory in the United States, where was it established, and in what year was it established?

A) E. L. Thorndike, Cornell University, 1820
B) William James, Columbia University, 1865
C) John Dewey, University of Chicago, 1894
D) Margaret Metzger, Harvard University, 1954

Question 19

William James is known for which of the following recommendations regarding the material used to educate children?

A) Start lessons at a point somewhat below the child's current level of understanding so the child can gain confidence.
B) Start lessons at a point just beyond the child's current level of understanding to stretch the child's mind.
C) Encourage children to learn about the world by reading books by a variety of authors so that each child gains a broad perspective on the world.
D) Encourage children to learn about the world through hands-on experience so that each child gains confidence in solving problems.

Question 20

The results of a research study conducted by George Sanchez showed which of the following?

A) The size of a man's brain can be used to predict his intelligence.
B) Intelligence tests are culturally biased against ethnic minority children.
C) The average IQ for males is greater than the average IQ for females.
D) Teachers spend less time interacting with ethnic minority children.

Question 21

Mrs. Tell, a third-grade teacher, is using a taxonomy that is comprised of cognitive skills that include remembering, comprehending, synthesizing, and evaluating. Who created the taxonomy that Mrs. Tell is using?

A) E. L. Thorndike
B) William James
C) John Dewey
D) Benjamin Bloom

Question 22

According to a recent survey, which of the following traits is characteristic of the best teachers?

A) Having a sense of humor
B) Treating students like children
C) Showing favoritism toward some students
D) Assigning excessive amounts of homework

Question 23

According to a recent survey, which of the following traits is characteristic of the best teachers?

A) Having a sense of humor
B) Making the class interesting
C) Having knowledge of subjects
D) Explaining things clearly
E) All of these

Question 24

According to a recent survey, which of the following traits is characteristic of the worst teachers?

A) Having knowledge of the subject
B) Retaining control of the classroom
C) Relating well to students
D) Expecting too much from students

Question 25

According to a recent survey, which of the following traits is characteristic of the worst teachers?

A) Having knowledge of the subject
B) Retaining control of the classroom
C) Having a poor attitude
D) Making the class interesting

Question 26

If a teacher is thought of by students as being too strict, this teacher would be classified as a(n) ________ teacher by a recent survey.

A) best
B) worst
C) elementary school
D) secondary school

Question 27

If students think of a teacher as possessing knowledge of the subject, retaining control of the classroom, and relating well to students, this teacher would be classified as a(n) ________ teacher by a recent survey.

A) best
B) worst
C) elementary school
D) secondary school

Question 28

Which of the following are the two key ingredients needed for teachers to master a variety of perspectives and strategies in order to be flexible in their application?

A) Determining the pace and the content of topics covered during class
B) Being a guide who helps students construct their own understanding and knowledge as well as being . the observer who allows students to complete projects and assignments without assistance
C) Professional knowledge and skills, and commitment and motivation
D) Evaluator who offers criticism and advice at the end of each semester

Question 29

Which of the following does not characterize the direct instruction approach?

A) High teacher expectations for student progress
B) Peer collaboration
C) Teacher direction and control
D) Maximization of student time on academic tasks

Question 30

According to Darling-Hammond and Bransford (2005), many effective teachers use what type of instructional approach?

A) Behaviorism
B) Constructivism
C) Direct instruction
D) Both a constructivist and a direct instruction approach

Question 31

Which of the following best describes the constructivist critique of American education?

A) Children are required to sit still for too long periods of time.
B) Children are given tasks that ask them to be passive learners.
C) Children are asked to memorize irrelevant as well as relevant information.
D) All of these

Question 32

Which of the following best describes the educational philosophy of constructivism?

A) Individuals actively build knowledge and understanding.
B) Individuals retain new information most effectively through repetition.
C) Individuals learn best when they work independently rather than in large groups.
D) Individuals have a tendency to adopt the biases of their teachers.

Question 33

Effective teachers set high goals for their teaching and organize plans for reaching those goals. Which of the following activities is included in good planning?

A) "Winging it" and emphasizing spontaneity
B) Focusing on lesson plans only
C) Figuring out which things students should do when, in what order, and how
D) Devising ways to reduce time spent on inquiry, discussion, and practice

Question 34

Being an effective teacher with regard to technological skills requires

A) memorizing information presented in textbooks.
B) knowing about various assistive devices to support the learning of students with disabilities.
C) having the skill to integrate computers appropriately with instruction.
D) b and c are correct

Question 35

Which of the following statements is true about students' technology use?

A) Students from low-income families are equally likely as high-income students to have a computer at home.
B) Low-income Americans comprise only 18 percent of Internet users, even though they comprise 28 percent of the population.
C) About 10 percent of all students have high-speed Internet access in their classrooms.
D) About 30 percent of students report they have no interest in technology use.

Question 36

When working with students, effective teachers typically use which of the following styles of communication?

A) Passive
B) Critical
C) Manipulative
D) Assertive

Question 37

Mr. Gonzalez spends time reading about other cultures and ethnicities. He sets high expectations for his students and works to communicate effectively with families from all backgrounds. Which of the following best describes what Mr. Gonzalez demonstrates in his classroom?

A) Cultural bias
B) Subject matter competence
C) Classroom management skills
D) Cultural competence

Question 38

When working with students, ineffective teachers typically use which of the following styles of communication?

A) Passive
B) Critical
C) Manipulative
D) All of these

Question 39

Effective teachers tend to display all of the following traits except which one?

A) They are knowledgeable about people from different cultural backgrounds.
B) They guide students in thinking critically about ethnic issues.
C) They encourage students to interact with other students in a variety of settings.
D) They discourage students from asking questions about cultural and social issues.

Question 40

Effective teachers have strengths in all of the following areas except which one?

A) Goal-setting
B) Planning
C) Communication
D) Criticism

Question 41

Mr. Gonzalez is a teacher who takes a constructivist approach to teaching. Which of the following teaching strategies would we probably not see in Mr. Gonzalez's classroom?

A) Memorize information presented in textbooks
B) Explore their world both individually and with others
C) Build models to represent real-life situations
D) Use diagrams to illustrate complex concepts and principles

Question 42

As a general rule, effective teachers would least likely do which of the following actions?

A) Attempt to educate students without assistance from anyone else
B) Pursue an education beyond the minimum required for the state license
C) Ask a more experienced teacher to serve as a mentor
D) Seek funds to purchase equipment for use in the classroom

Question 43

Mrs. Marion sets high goals for her teaching, and she organizes her lessons to maximize her students' learning. She also reflects about how to make her students' learning more interesting and challenging. Which identified area of effective teaching is Mrs. Marion demonstrating?

A) Goal-setting and planning
B) Motivational skills
C) Communication
D) Technological skills

Question 44

Mr. Leroy is able to keep the class working together and oriented toward classroom tasks. He creates and maintains an environment in which learning can occur. He has an inventory of strategies for setting and maintaining rules and procedures in the class, and for dealing with off-task behavior. He also monitors and paces classroom activities so that they are conducive to learning. Which identified area of effective teaching is Mr. Leroy demonstrating?

A) Goal-setting and planning
B) Motivational skills
C) Classroom management skills
D) Technological skills

Question 45

A teacher who is unable to orient the class toward classroom tasks and lacks a repertoire of strategies for dealing with off-task behavior is lacking in _______, which is an area identified as necessary for effective teaching.

A) goal-setting and planning
B) motivational skills
C) classroom management skills
D) technological skills

Question 46

Ms. Yates provides her students with choices that are in line with their personal interests. She gives them an opportunity to think creatively and in depth about their projects. Which identified area of effective teaching is Ms. Yates demonstrating?

A) Goal-setting and planning
B) Motivational skills
C) Classroom management skills
D) Technological skills

Question 47

A teacher who neither provides students with choices that correspond with their personal interests nor gives students an opportunity to think creatively and in depth about their projects is lacking in ______, an area identified as one for effective teaching.

A) goal-setting and planning
B) motivational skills
C) classroom management skills
D) technological skills

Question 48

Mrs. Kana believes in talking to students and parents rather than with them. She thinks that criticism is a learning tool and that being either aggressive or passive is an effective strategy. Which identified area of effective teaching is Mrs. Kana lacking in?

A) Communication skills
B) Motivational skills
C) Classroom management skills
D) Technological skills

Question 49

If a teacher believes in talking with students and parents rather than at them, and consistently uses an assertive style, which identified area of effective teaching is this teacher demonstrating?

A) Communication skills
B) Motivational skills
C) Classroom management skills
D) Technological skills

Question 50

Mr. Valsi encourages his students to have positive personal contact with diverse students and he often has ways of creating settings in which this is possible. He conducts activities in the class that give students the opportunity to think critically about cultural and ethnic issues. Which area identified as effective teaching is Mr. Valsi demonstrating?

A) Communication skills
B) Working effectively with students from culturally diverse backgrounds
C) Classroom management skills
D) Technological skills

Question 51

If a teacher does not conduct activities in the class that give students the opportunity to think critically about cultural and ethnic issues, then what part identified as one of the areas for effective teaching is the teacher lacking in?

A) Communication skills
B) Working effectively with students from culturally diverse backgrounds
C) Classroom management skills
D) Technological skills

Question 52

Mrs. Chu describes a writing assignment to her seventh-grade students. She divides the students into three groups. Although all students will participate in the writing assignment, Mrs. Chu has tailored the assignment to meet the developmental needs and abilities of each group. Mrs. Chu is using what type of instructional approach?

A) Constructivism
B) Direct instruction
C) Multicultural education
D) Differentiated instruction

Question 53

Mr. Smith often reports to his relatives that he has "no life" from September to June because in addition to the classroom hours, he still needs the weekends and evenings to get his work done. In this scenario, Mr. Smith is demonstrating _______, a requirement for an effective teacher.

A) communication skills
B) commitment and motivation
C) classroom management skills
D) technological skills

Question 54

A major issue in educational psychology and U.S. classrooms is the extent to which instruction should be tied to standards. This type of instruction is called

A) standards-based instruction.
B) high-stakes instruction.
C) No Child Left Behind.
D) direct instruction.

Question 55

What is the dependent variable in an experiment?

A) The factor measured in an experiment
B) The group whose experience is manipulated
C) The manipulated, influential, experimental factor
D) The comparison group

Question 56

What is the independent variable in an experiment?

A) The factor measured in an experiment
B) The group whose experience is manipulated
C) The manipulated, influential, experimental factor
D) The comparison group

Question 57

What type of research seeks to describe the strength of the relation between two or more characteristics?

A) Correlational
B) Experimental
C) Cross-sectional
D) Longitudinal

Question 58

Which of the following best describes the goal of correlational research?

A) To obtain an in-depth look at one individual or class
B) To explain why certain conditions influence the characteristics of students
C) To describe the strength of the relation between two or more characteristics
D) To compare two groups of individuals under a variety of experimental conditions

Question 59

When a researcher conducts an interview, which of the following is the most likely goal?

A) To persuade the person through intimidation to modify his or her behavior
B) To determine which teaching methods are most effective for a group
C) To measure the correlation between a behavior and an outcome
D) To obtain information about a particular issue and understand how the person feels

Question 60

Which of the following best describes a limitation of interviews and questionnaires?

A) Findings do not generalize.
B) There is no control group.
C) Individuals give socially desirable answers.
D) Conclusions do not refer to the individual.

Question 61

Which of the following best describes an ethnographic study?

A) A study that has random assignment
B) A study with many different control groups
C) A study that reveals correlation rather than causation
D) A study that consists of in-depth description and interpretation of behavior in an ethnic or cultural group

Question 62

If the administrators want to conduct research on how to improve some of the educational practices used at their school, and would like to accomplish this immediately, then they would most likely be using:

A) ethnographic research.
B) correlational research.
C) program evaluation research.
D) action research.

Question 63

If teachers want to conduct studies in their classrooms to improve their teaching methods, what type of research would they engage in?

A) Teacher-as-researcher
B) Longitudinal research
C) Program evaluation research
D) Action research

Question 64

Which of the following have uniform procedures for administration and scoring and assess students' aptitudes and skills in different domains?

A) Ethnic gloss
B) Participant observation
C) Case studies
D) Standardized tests

Question 65

Where do naturalistic observations take place?

A) In a controlled setting
B) In the real world
C) In laboratories
D) None of these

Question 66

Educational researchers make naturalistic observations of children in all of the following settings except which one?

A) Museums
B) Playgrounds
C) Classrooms
D) Laboratories

Question 67

Which of the following best describes a case study?

A) A survey given to students at the beginning and end of the school year
B) A standardized test given to all students in the same grade level
C) An in-depth examination of a single student over several years
D) A series of interviews conducted by a teacher over several weeks

Question 68

As part of a teacher workshop, teachers are engaged in reading in-depth examinations of one student over several years. These scenarios contain very rich data about each student's life and school progress. What are these teachers reading?

A) The survey result for each student
B) The standardized test results of each student
C) A case study
D) A series of interviews

Question 69

An educational psychologist is conducting research by observing and recording children's social behavior in the classroom. What type of research is this educational psychologist conducting?

A) Correlational
B) Descriptive
C) A case study
D) Experimental

Question 70

Which of the following best explains why the conclusions drawn from a case study cannot necessarily be applied to the general population?

A) Observations are difficult to make over a long period of time without established criteria.
B) Most of the information is based on questionnaires.
C) The subject has a unique genetic makeup and set of experiences.
D) The laboratory is a controlled environment unlike the real world.

Question 71

An educational researcher is interested in identifying students' attitudes about using computers to complete writing assignments. Which of the following research methods is the researcher most likely to use?

A) Case study
B) Laboratory observation
C) Standardized test
D) Questionnaire

Question 72

A teacher is interested in determining the motives behind a student's misbehavior in class. To collect relevant information, the teacher pays close attention to the student's behavior each day during class. When misbehavior occurs, the teacher makes notes concerning the context in which the misbehavior took place, the type of misbehavior demonstrated by the student, and the reactions of other students. Which of the following research methods is this teacher using?

A) Naturalistic observation
B) Experimental research
C) Interview
D) Program evaluation

Question 73

Bringing seven parents to a school to be interviewed about a recent change to the art program would be called:

A) teacher-research
B) focus group
C) correlation of outside resources
D) manipulating the variable

Question 74

What might researchers ask study participants to keep to document quantitative or qualitative aspects of their lives?

A) Previous research studies
B) Memorabilia
C) Dependent variables
D) Personal journals or diaries

Question 75

An educational researcher is intrigued by a student who has a rare genetic condition that interferes with a portion of the brain that is suspected to control emotions. As a result, the student exhibits uncontrolled emotional outbursts at very unexpected times. The researcher observes the student in a variety of situations with hopes of identifying ways in which the student's condition interferes with building close personal relationships. Which of the following research methods is this researcher using?

A) Laboratory research
B) Questionnaire
C) Case study
D) Correlational research

Question 76

An educational researcher conducted interviews with freshmen who were considered "at risk" for dropping out of high school. The researcher monitored these students for the next 3 years. The researcher discovered that students with low self-esteem were more likely to drop out of high school than students with high self-esteem. Which of the following conclusions is most strongly supported by this observation?

A) Students drop out of school because they have low self-esteem.
B) A student who performs poorly will tend to have low self-esteem.
C) Dropping out of school causes students to have low self-esteem.
D) The tendency to drop out of school is correlated with self-esteem.

Question 77

Which of the following statements best describes a control group?

A) A control group is a comparison group treated in every way like the other group, except for the manipulated factor.
B) A control group is a comparison group that does not participate in the experiment, but fills out a questionnaire instead.
C) A control group is a group of individuals randomly assigned to a variety of treatments.
D) A control group is a group of individuals who design the procedures of an experiment.

Question 78

Which of the following statements best describes the goal of action research?

A) To make decisions about the effectiveness of new administrative policies
B) To improve educational practices immediately in one or two classrooms
C) To determine whether various teaching methods influence students' attendance
D) To compare academic performance of students in one district with students in another district

Question 79

A group of researchers is evaluating the success of a program for alternative teacher certification that began a year ago. What type of research is being conducted in this scenario?

A) Experimental research
B) Correlational research
C) Program evaluation research
D) Action research

Question 80

Several teachers have decided to conduct research on how to improve some of the educational practices at their school. They want to be able to accomplish this immediately and will only be conducting this in their school. What type of research is being conducted in this scenario?

A) Experimental research
B) Correlational research
C) Program evaluation research
D) Action research