This research investigates the role of reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST) in statistics education among two distinct samples of undergraduate psychology students. In Study 1, 318 students in a third-year statistics course completed self-report measures of RST, anxiety, attitudes, and self-efficacy concerning the study of statistics. In Study…

This dissertation investigates an overarching research question: how can recognition-type incentives, such as gamification and peer gifting, motivate users' knowledge seeking and contributions in e-learning and online Q&A (question and answer) communities? To address this question, I conducted three studies. In Chapter 2, I examine how social…

Nine English primary schools piloted homework tasks that utilised mathematical problems set in "everyday" contexts to generate specific forms of parental involvement in children's learning and, as a result, make mathematics homework enjoyable. Homework is pedagogically and socioculturally significant because of the effect it has on…

Self-regulation of cognition and behavior is an important aspect of student learning and academic performance in the 21st-century classroom. The purpose of the chapter is to present how an integrated framework of cyclical phases and developmental levels of self-regulated learning play a significant role in modeling and self-regulatory learning as…

Here is what our work uniquely brings to policy and planning tables: (1) An expanded framework for school improvement--We highlight that moving from a two- to a three-component policy and practice framework is essential for closing the opportunity and achievement gaps. (That is, expanding from focusing primarily on instruction and…

During the past 2 decades, pivotal response treatment (PRT) has emerged as an evidence-based methodology for intervening with the behavioral, communicative, social, and academic impairments of children with autism. Unlike other highly structured behavioral interventions for autism, PRT emphasizes principles over procedures and focuses on enhancing…

Part One of this report describes the first half of a conference, designed to examine the nature of reinforcement, which was held at the University of Pittsburgh in June 1969. The topics discussed include: "Reward in Human Learning: Theoretical Issues and Strategic Choice Points"; "Are Reinforcement Concepts Able to Provide Reinforcement for…

THIS STUDY REPLICATES EARLIER DATA CONCERNING CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH STUDENTS CHECK OR "OBSERVE" ANSWERS TO A PRINTED PROGRAM, AND THE RELATION OF ANSWER OBSERVING TO ERROR RATE. THIRTY COLLEGE STUDENTS STUDIED TWO PROGRAMS ON MEDICINE. FREQUENCY OF ANSWER OBSERVING WAS OBTAINED BY SELF-REPORT. PAY INCENTIVES (THE INDEPENDENT VARIABLE) WERE GIVEN…

Based on a PhD dissertation (Humphries) submitted to the Louisiana State University.

Sixty-four 4th graders were subjects in this experiment which examined children's choice behavior under conditions of uncertainty. In the experimental condition, 2 rewards were offered, one of which was concealed by a question mark. In addition the question mark concealed one of 2 possible rewards, presented according to varied probability…

Discusses theories of motivation in foreign language learning especially as an interactional, dynamic process focusing on how diffuse needs become channeled into wants through behavior itself. Sociological issues involved include the personality model of the learner and the institutional setting where language is being taught. (Author/BK)

Results clearly demonstrated that the children in this investigation made significantly more and faster responses when the reinforcer presentation was varied as opposed to constant. (Author/DB)

Based upon author's Ph.D. Dissertation submitted to the Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles.

The author reviews theories of human motivation: Lewin's force field analysis, Skinner's operant reinforcement theory, and Maslow's hierarchy of needs. He then extracts the implications of these theories for adult learning. SK)