WGU D186 Learning as a Science and Motivating Students Test 2026
1. According to Self-Determination Theory, which three basic psychological
needs must be met to foster intrinsic motivation?
A. Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness
B. Safety, Security, and Socialization
C. Power, Achievement, and Affiliation
D. Recognition, Rewards, and Results
Answer: A
Rationale: Self-Determination Theory suggests that students are most motivated when
they feel they have control (autonomy), can succeed (competence), and feel connected to
others (relatedness).
2. A student believes that their intelligence is a set trait that cannot be changed.
This reflects which mindset?
A. Growth Mindset
B. Fixed Mindset
C. Mastery Mindset
D. External Mindset
Answer: B
Rationale: A fixed mindset is the belief that basic qualities, like intelligence or talent, are
fixed traits that cannot be significantly developed.
,3. Which type of motivation involves performing a task to earn a reward or
avoid a punishment?
A. Intrinsic Motivation
B. Extrinsic Motivation
C. Personal Interest
D. Self-Regulation
Answer: B
Rationale: Extrinsic motivation comes from external factors such as grades, prizes, or the
fear of negative consequences.
4. Self-efficacy is defined as:
A. A student’s belief in their capability to execute specific tasks
B. The general level of self-esteem a student possesses
C. The student’s interest in a specific subject matter
D. The ability to control one’s behavior in a social setting
Answer: A
Rationale: Self-efficacy refers specifically to an individual’s confidence in their ability to
complete a task or achieve a goal.
5. In Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, what is ‘vicarious experience’?
A. Learning by observing someone else succeed or fail
B. Learning by being told what to do
C. Learning through one’s own successes
D. Learning through trial and error
Answer: A
Rationale: Vicarious experience involves seeing a peer or model succeed, which can
increase the observer’s own self-efficacy.
, 6. Which goal orientation is focused on learning and improving skills regardless
of how one looks to others?
A. Mastery Goal
B. Performance-Avoidance Goal
C. Performance-Approach Goal
D. Social Goal
Answer: A
Rationale: Mastery goals focus on the intrinsic value of learning and gaining competence in
a task.
7. If a student attributes a failing grade to ‘bad luck,’ they are using an:
A. Internal, Stable Attribution
B. External, Stable Attribution
C. Internal, Uncontrollable Attribution
D. External, Unstable Attribution
Answer: D
Rationale: Luck is outside the student (external) and can change from one instance to the
next (unstable).
8. The ‘Overjustification Effect’ occurs when:
A. Extrinsic rewards decrease intrinsic motivation for an activity
B. Intrinsic motivation increases because of rewards
C. Punishment leads to better performance
D. Students feel more competent after receiving praise
Answer: A
Rationale: When a student is already intrinsically motivated, adding an external reward
can sometimes make the activity feel like ‘work,’ reducing internal interest.
1. According to Self-Determination Theory, which three basic psychological
needs must be met to foster intrinsic motivation?
A. Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness
B. Safety, Security, and Socialization
C. Power, Achievement, and Affiliation
D. Recognition, Rewards, and Results
Answer: A
Rationale: Self-Determination Theory suggests that students are most motivated when
they feel they have control (autonomy), can succeed (competence), and feel connected to
others (relatedness).
2. A student believes that their intelligence is a set trait that cannot be changed.
This reflects which mindset?
A. Growth Mindset
B. Fixed Mindset
C. Mastery Mindset
D. External Mindset
Answer: B
Rationale: A fixed mindset is the belief that basic qualities, like intelligence or talent, are
fixed traits that cannot be significantly developed.
,3. Which type of motivation involves performing a task to earn a reward or
avoid a punishment?
A. Intrinsic Motivation
B. Extrinsic Motivation
C. Personal Interest
D. Self-Regulation
Answer: B
Rationale: Extrinsic motivation comes from external factors such as grades, prizes, or the
fear of negative consequences.
4. Self-efficacy is defined as:
A. A student’s belief in their capability to execute specific tasks
B. The general level of self-esteem a student possesses
C. The student’s interest in a specific subject matter
D. The ability to control one’s behavior in a social setting
Answer: A
Rationale: Self-efficacy refers specifically to an individual’s confidence in their ability to
complete a task or achieve a goal.
5. In Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, what is ‘vicarious experience’?
A. Learning by observing someone else succeed or fail
B. Learning by being told what to do
C. Learning through one’s own successes
D. Learning through trial and error
Answer: A
Rationale: Vicarious experience involves seeing a peer or model succeed, which can
increase the observer’s own self-efficacy.
, 6. Which goal orientation is focused on learning and improving skills regardless
of how one looks to others?
A. Mastery Goal
B. Performance-Avoidance Goal
C. Performance-Approach Goal
D. Social Goal
Answer: A
Rationale: Mastery goals focus on the intrinsic value of learning and gaining competence in
a task.
7. If a student attributes a failing grade to ‘bad luck,’ they are using an:
A. Internal, Stable Attribution
B. External, Stable Attribution
C. Internal, Uncontrollable Attribution
D. External, Unstable Attribution
Answer: D
Rationale: Luck is outside the student (external) and can change from one instance to the
next (unstable).
8. The ‘Overjustification Effect’ occurs when:
A. Extrinsic rewards decrease intrinsic motivation for an activity
B. Intrinsic motivation increases because of rewards
C. Punishment leads to better performance
D. Students feel more competent after receiving praise
Answer: A
Rationale: When a student is already intrinsically motivated, adding an external reward
can sometimes make the activity feel like ‘work,’ reducing internal interest.
