FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which learning theory is based on using immediate consequences to influence observable responses?

1. Cognitivism

2. Constructivism

3. Behaviorism

4. Humanism

The correct answer is: Behaviorism

The correct answer is based on the principles of behaviorism, a learning theory that emphasizes the role of reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior. Behaviorism asserts that learning occurs through interactions with the environment, where immediate consequences can significantly influence an individual's observable responses. This means that by providing positive reinforcement for desired behaviors or negative consequences for undesirable ones, educators can effectively shape and modify student behavior in a classroom setting. Behaviorism is grounded in the belief that learning can be quantified through observable behavior, rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach often utilizes techniques such as conditioning—both classical and operant—to create connections between stimuli and responses, making it a practical framework for developing specific skills and behaviors. In contrast, cognitivism focuses on the internal processes of how people think, learn, and remember, without emphasizing external consequences. Constructivism places importance on the learner's experience and the active construction of knowledge, while humanism emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization, prioritizing emotional and social factors over immediate behavioral consequences. These distinctions highlight why behaviorism is the appropriate answer to the question regarding the influence of immediate consequences on observable responses.