1. A researcher wants to study how children's

understanding of numbers changes over time. She gives a

group of 4-year-olds and a group of 6-year-olds a task

where they have to estimate how many candies are in a jar.

She finds that the 6-year-olds are more accurate than the 4-

year-olds. What cognitive development theory can best

explain this finding?

a) Piaget's theory of cognitive stages

b) Vygotsky's theory of sociocultural learning

c) Information processing theory

d) Core knowledge theory*

Rationale: Core knowledge theory proposes that children

have innate and domain-specific knowledge of certain

concepts, such as numbers, that can be refined and

expanded through experience. The 6-year-olds have more

experience with numbers than the 4-year-olds, so they can

use their core knowledge more effectively.

2. A teacher wants to help her students develop

metacognition, or the ability to monitor and regulate their

own thinking. Which of the following strategies would be

most effective for this goal?

a) Giving the students frequent feedback on their

performance

b) Encouraging the students to reflect on their learning

processes and outcomes*

c) Providing the students with clear and specific learning

objectives