WGU D186 Learning as a Science and Supportive Environments
Mastery Quiz 2026
1. Which learning theory emphasizes the role of environmental stimuli and
responses in shaping behavior?
A. Cognitivism
B. Constructivism
C. Humanism
D. Behaviorism
Answer: D
Rationale: Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and how they are influenced by
stimuli and reinforcement.
2. Vygotsky’s concept of the distance between what a learner can do alone and
what they can do with help is called:
A. Schema
B. Metacognition
C. Scaffolding
D. Zone of Proximal Development
Answer: D
Rationale: The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) represents the range of tasks a child
can perform with guidance.
,3. Which psychological state describes the belief that abilities can be developed
through dedication and hard work?
A. Fixed Mindset
B. Growth Mindset
C. Self-Efficacy
D. Internal Locus of Control
Answer: B
Rationale: A growth mindset, popularized by Carol Dweck, is the belief that intelligence
and talent can be improved.
4. In Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, what must be met before a student can
focus on self-actualization?
A. Physiological and Safety needs
B. All of the above
C. Belongingness needs
D. Esteem needs
Answer: B
Rationale: According to Maslow, lower-level needs like safety, food, and belonging must be
satisfied before reaching the top tier of self-actualization.
5. Which part of the Information Processing Model holds information for a few
seconds before it is processed or lost?
A. Long-term memory
B. Working memory
C. Sensory memory
D. Executive function
Answer: C
Rationale: Sensory memory is the initial stage that holds brief impressions of sensory
stimuli.
, 6. A teacher praises a student for helping a peer, increasing the likelihood the
student will help again. This is:
A. Positive Reinforcement
B. Negative Reinforcement
C. Positive Punishment
D. Negative Punishment
Answer: A
Rationale: Positive reinforcement involves adding a desirable stimulus to increase a
behavior.
7. The process of connecting new information to existing knowledge is known in
Cognitivism as:
A. Chunking
B. Assimilation
C. Schema mapping
D. Conditioning
Answer: B
Rationale: Assimilation is the cognitive process of fitting new information into existing
schemas.
8. Which theorist is most closely associated with Social Learning Theory and the
Bobo doll experiment?
A. Albert Bandura
B. Jean Piaget
C. B.F. Skinner
D. Lev Vygotsky
Answer: A
Rationale: Albert Bandura developed Social Learning Theory, emphasizing observation
and modeling.
Mastery Quiz 2026
1. Which learning theory emphasizes the role of environmental stimuli and
responses in shaping behavior?
A. Cognitivism
B. Constructivism
C. Humanism
D. Behaviorism
Answer: D
Rationale: Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and how they are influenced by
stimuli and reinforcement.
2. Vygotsky’s concept of the distance between what a learner can do alone and
what they can do with help is called:
A. Schema
B. Metacognition
C. Scaffolding
D. Zone of Proximal Development
Answer: D
Rationale: The Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) represents the range of tasks a child
can perform with guidance.
,3. Which psychological state describes the belief that abilities can be developed
through dedication and hard work?
A. Fixed Mindset
B. Growth Mindset
C. Self-Efficacy
D. Internal Locus of Control
Answer: B
Rationale: A growth mindset, popularized by Carol Dweck, is the belief that intelligence
and talent can be improved.
4. In Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, what must be met before a student can
focus on self-actualization?
A. Physiological and Safety needs
B. All of the above
C. Belongingness needs
D. Esteem needs
Answer: B
Rationale: According to Maslow, lower-level needs like safety, food, and belonging must be
satisfied before reaching the top tier of self-actualization.
5. Which part of the Information Processing Model holds information for a few
seconds before it is processed or lost?
A. Long-term memory
B. Working memory
C. Sensory memory
D. Executive function
Answer: C
Rationale: Sensory memory is the initial stage that holds brief impressions of sensory
stimuli.
, 6. A teacher praises a student for helping a peer, increasing the likelihood the
student will help again. This is:
A. Positive Reinforcement
B. Negative Reinforcement
C. Positive Punishment
D. Negative Punishment
Answer: A
Rationale: Positive reinforcement involves adding a desirable stimulus to increase a
behavior.
7. The process of connecting new information to existing knowledge is known in
Cognitivism as:
A. Chunking
B. Assimilation
C. Schema mapping
D. Conditioning
Answer: B
Rationale: Assimilation is the cognitive process of fitting new information into existing
schemas.
8. Which theorist is most closely associated with Social Learning Theory and the
Bobo doll experiment?
A. Albert Bandura
B. Jean Piaget
C. B.F. Skinner
D. Lev Vygotsky
Answer: A
Rationale: Albert Bandura developed Social Learning Theory, emphasizing observation
and modeling.
