For this assignment, you will examine how two theories could be compared in their application to an everyday learning situation. You will describe the basic tenets of each theory. Use theory-specific terminology to hypothesize how the person in the case study has learned things so far that has resulted in the current challenge, and what will likely come next. Then, you will provide a theoretically-grounded and evidence-based solution to the problem.
Assignment Instructions
Choose one of the provided case studies from Learning Theories: Case Studies. There is no need to re-copy the case from the presentation into the paper. Use the case name in the title of your paper, and that will suffice to let your reader know which person you will be working with.
Choose two learning theories from the list provided. Notice that you may be using theories not covered elsewhere in the course. If there is a specific learning theory you are currently working with in your studies that is not in this list, and you would prefer to use it, check with your instructor about using it for this paper.
Köhler’s insight theory/Gestalt.
Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of learning.
Bruner’s discovery learning.
Knowles’s andragogy.
Rogers’s humanism (used as a theory of learning).
Hebb’s neuropsychological theory.
Miller’s information processing theory.
Festinger’s theory of cognitive dissonance.
Skinner’s behaviorism.
Watson’s behaviorism.
Pavlov’s behaviorism.
Bandura’s social learning theory (1977).
Bandura’s social cognitive theory (1986).
Siegel’s connectivism.
Mayer’s cognitive theory of multimedia learning.
To complete this assignment, you will need to:
Explain the basic assumptions, strengths, and limitations of each learning theory.
Analyze the ability of each theory to explain and predict a case.
Using terms and concepts from your first theory, describe the case study, hypothesizing how this person has learned things so far to result in their current challenge. Then, predict what will come next for them using theoretical concepts.
Then, using terms and concepts from your second theory, describe the case study once again, hypothesizing how this person has learned things so far to result in their current challenge. Then, predict what will come next for them using theoretical concepts.
Analyze an intervention.
Explore at least one intervention for the challenge presented in the case that would be grounded in or connected with one of the theories.
Explain why it would work better than an intervention grounded in the alternate theory, using evidence from your research.
Apply APA style and formatting to scholarly writing.
Exhibit adherence to stylistic conventions, document structure, and source attributions.
Additional Requirements
Written communication: Write coherently to support central ideas, in appropriate APA format, and with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Tone: Write in the third person, adhering to conventions of academic tone.
Length of paper: 4–6 typed, double-spaced pages, not including the title page or reference page.
References: At least five scholarly articles (from peer-reviewed journals). Books and other sources can be used, if needed, in addition to the journal articles.
APA format: Follow current APA guidelines for style and formatting, as well as for citing your resources in the body of your paper and in alphabetical order on the Reference page. Refer to the Evidence and APALinks to an external site. section of the Writing Center for guidance.
Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point, double-spaced.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
Competency 1: Evaluate the strengths, limitations, and applications of the foundational learning theories.
Analyze the ability of each theory to explain and predict a case.
Competency 2: Evaluate the strengths, limitations, and applications of learning principles and concepts.
Explain the basic assumptions, strengths, and limitations of one learning theory.
Explain the basic assumptions, strengths, and limitations of a second learning theory.
Competency 3: Apply evidence-based research in learning theories to guide decision making and problem solving.
Analyze an intervention.
Competency 4: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of the psychological professions.
Apply APA style and formatting to scholarly writing.
View Rubric
Week 6 Assignment – Theory Comparison
Week 6 Assignment – Theory Comparison
Criteria Ratings Pts
Explain the basic assumptions, strengths, and limitations of one learning theory.
60 to >51 pts
DISTINGUISHED
Explains the basic assumptions, strengths, and limitations of one learning theory, using research articles to support the assertions.
51 to >42 pts
PROFICIENT
Explains the basic assumptions, strengths, and limitations of one learning theory.
42 to >0 pts
BASIC
Explains the basic assumptions, of one learning theory, but does not address the strengths and limitations.
0 pts
NON_PERFORMANCE
Does not explain the basic assumptions, strengths, and limitations of one learning theory.
/ 60 pts
Explain the basic assumptions, strengths, and limitations of a second learning theory.
60 to >51 pts
DISTINGUISHED
Explains the basic assumptions, strengths, and limitations of a second learning theory, using research articles to support the assertions.
51 to >42 pts
PROFICIENT
Explains the basic assumptions, strengths, and limitations of a second learning theory.
42 to >0 pts
BASIC
Explains the basic assumptions, of a second learning theory, but does not address the strengths and limitations.
0 pts
NON_PERFORMANCE
Does not explain the basic assumptions, strengths, and limitations of a second learning theory.
/ 60 pts
Analyze the ability of each theory to explain and predict a case.
60 to >51 pts
DISTINGUISHED
Analyzes the ability of each theory to explain and predict a case, and suggests solutions to the inability of the theories to explain and predict a case.
51 to >42 pts
PROFICIENT
Analyzes the ability of each theory to explain and predict a case.
42 to >0 pts
BASIC
Describes the ability of each theory to explain and predict a case, but provides no analysis.
0 pts
NON_PERFORMANCE
Does not describe the ability of each theory to explain and predict a case.
/ 60 pts
Analyze an intervention.
60 to >51 pts
DISTINGUISHED
Analyzes an intervention, using research articles to support the analysis.
51 to >42 pts
PROFICIENT
Analyzes an intervention.
42 to >0 pts
BASIC
Identifies an intervention, but provides no analysis.
0 pts
NON_PERFORMANCE
Does not identify an intervention.
/ 60 pts
Apply APA style and formatting to scholarly writing.
60 to >51 pts
DISTINGUISHED
Applies APA style and formatting to scholarly writing. Exhibits strict and nearly flawless adherence to stylistic conventions, document structure, and source attributions.
51 to >42 pts
PROFICIENT
Applies APA style and formatting to scholarly writing.
42 to >0 pts
BASIC
Applies APA style and formatting to scholarly writing incorrectly or inconsistently, detracting noticeably from good scholarship.
0 pts
NON_PERFORMANCE
Does not apply APA style and formatting to scholarly writing.
/ 60 pts
Total Points: 0
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