FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What theory focuses on the process of how learners arrive at answers?

1. Behaviorism

2. Information Processing Theories

3. Cognitivism

4. Constructivism

The correct answer is: Information Processing Theories

The correct answer is rooted in the understanding that Information Processing Theories analyze how individuals process information, akin to how a computer would handle data. These theories focus on cognitive processes involved in learning, which include attention, perception, memory, and reasoning. They emphasize how learners encode, store, and retrieve information, thereby illuminating the step-by-step procedures that lead to problem-solving and decision-making. This focus on the internal processes that learners engage in to arrive at answers differentiates Information Processing Theories from other educational theories. For instance, Behaviorism centers on observable behaviors and the conditioning processes that lead to learning, without delving into internal thought processes. Similarly, while Cognitivism does address mental processes, it is more concerned with understanding how knowledge is structured and used rather than the specific methods of arriving at answers. Constructivism, on the other hand, emphasizes learners' active role in constructing knowledge based on their experiences rather than analyzing how they process information. Understanding the emphasis of Information Processing Theories provides insight into how educators can design effective instruction that aligns with the cognitive strategies learners use to make sense of information and reach conclusions.