Social Cognitive Theory
What is Social Cognitive Theory
A theory that emphasises learning from the social environment
Possible answers: written and oral language, maps, smart phones, artwork, cartoons, concept maps, diagrams, computers, inner speech, self-regulation, metacognition, visual and verbal memory codes, mnemonic devices, signs and symbols.
Well-defined problem: End result is clearly states, solved by specific procedure, solution evaluated against agreed-upon standard.
Ill-defined problem: Goal is ambiguous, complex, few clues to solution procedures, no guaranteed means of achieving the goal.
Describe Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic Motivation: Motivation to do an activity for its own sake, tasks are inherently enjoyable.
Extrinsic Motivation: Participation to acquire a reward or desirable outcome (good grades)
Name 2 types of "Interest"
Personal Interest - An interest held over a long period of time and across situations or contexts.
Situational Interest - An interest elicited by environmental variables (e.g., I liked chemistry when it was taught by Mrs Garnett, not Ms Grey)
Does learning always change behaviour?
No, learning is internal and may or may not change behaviour.
What is the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)
The area of learning where you can solve problems too difficult to achieve alone but can achieve under adult guidance or in collaboration with more capable peers.
Heavy Cognitive Load: Thinking abstractly and organising the representation cognitively.
Lower Load: Creating something tangible (diagram, picture etc.)
What is Drive Reduction Theory?
Organisms are driven to maintain physiological homeostasis (state of equilibrium for optimal functioning)
Strength of Behaviour = Habit x Drive
Habit - degree to which a stimulus-response association has been learned.
Drive - internal state of need for optimal functioning (need for food)
What is Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs?
Must have basic needs met (food, drink etc.) before you can move up the pyramid and achieve the 'being needs' (knowledge, goodness, truth etc.)
What Classic Experiments involve SCT?
Bandura's Bobo doll experiment
What is Scaffolding?
What are 2 obstacles to problem solving?
Functional Fixedness - Inability to perceive a new use for an object associated with a different purpose.
Mental set - Inability to break out of past approaches to solving problems.
Why to humans procrastinate?
To protect self-worth:
Poor performance can be attributed to lack of effort, not lack of ability.
Successful performance can be attributed to high ability because succeeded even with procrastination.
How can we measure motivation?
Expectancy x Value = Motivation
Expectancy for success related to the task
Value of the task to be undertaking
Similarity, competence, and prestige are examples of what?
Characteristics of a successful model
Name 3 scaffolding theories
Possible answers: Modelling, Thinking out loud, Anticipating difficulties, Providing prompts and cues, Using dialogue and discussion, Regulating level of difficulty, Reciprocal teaching and practice, Providing a checklist.
Name 2 factors affecting transfer
Possible answers: Meaningful learning opportunities, mastery, similarity, principles/conceptual understanding, opportunities for practice, time lag, expectations.
What is Cognitive Evaluation Theory?
Emphasis on Intrinsic motivation and the fulfilment of three basic innate psychological needs:
Autonomy (capacity to determine), Competence (ability to achieve), Relatedness (connection to others)
What is Attribution Theory?
Interpreting and understanding the causes of events or behaviours. (e.g., did I get a low grade because I'm didn't try hard enough or because the test was hard)
What conditions are necessary for successful modelling?
Attention, Retention, Motivation, Motor Reproduction
What is the Ecological Systems Theory?
A view of child development as a multi-level system of relationships and environment. The cultural context is relevant to all forms of learning.
Name 3 Problem Solving Strategies
Algorithm: A problem-solving procedure that is guaranteed to produce a solution.
Heuristic: Using 'meaning making' that typically works but may sometimes lead to an error. (Work Backwards)
Create an External representation of the problem
Break the problem into parts or sub-goals
Possible answers: Set unattainable goals, make excuses, minimise participation, avoid being called upon, don't try or convince others you don't, procrastinate.
What are 2 ways to enhance a students academic motivation?
Possible answers: Increase mastery goal orientation, Decrease performance goal orientation, Build self-efficacy, Communicate high expectations.