WGU D186: Learning as a Science and Motivating Students 2026
1. Which cognitive process involves connecting new information to existing
knowledge structures in long-term memory?
A. Rehearsal
B. Elaboration
C. Maintenance
D. Selective Attention
Answer: B
Rationale: Elaboration is the process of making meaningful connections between new
information and what is already known, which aids in long-term retention.
2. In the context of Cognitive Load Theory, ‘extraneous load’ refers to:
A. The inherent difficulty of the material
B. The mental effort required to build schemas
C. Mental effort that does not contribute to learning
D. The total capacity of working memory
Answer: C
Rationale: Extraneous load is caused by poorly designed instructional materials that
distract from the actual learning task.
,3. According to Self-Determination Theory, which three basic psychological
needs must be met to foster intrinsic motivation?
A. Power, Affiliation, and Achievement
B. Safety, Belonging, and Esteem
C. Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness
D. Survival, Freedom, and Fun
Answer: C
Rationale: Deci and Ryan’s theory identifies autonomy, competence, and relatedness as the
pillars of intrinsic motivation.
4. Which strategy is an example of ‘retrieval practice’?
A. Re-reading a textbook chapter multiple times
B. Taking a practice quiz without using notes
C. Highlighting key terms in a document
D. Watching a video lecture on a topic
Answer: B
Rationale: Retrieval practice involves pulling information out of memory, which
strengthens neural pathways more effectively than passive review.
5. A student believes that their intelligence can be developed through hard
work and persistence. This is an example of:
A. A fixed mindset
B. Self-actualization
C. Internal locus of control
D. A growth mindset
Answer: D
Rationale: Carol Dweck’s growth mindset refers to the belief that abilities are not innate
but can be improved through effort.
, 6. What is the primary function of ‘scaffolding’ in instructional design?
A. To make the task easier for the student by doing the work for them
B. To group students by their intellectual ability
C. To assess the final level of student mastery
D. To provide temporary support as students develop new skills
Answer: D
Rationale: Scaffolding provides the necessary support for learners to accomplish tasks
within their Zone of Proximal Development until they can perform independently.
7. Which concept describes the phenomenon where learning is better when it is
spread out over time rather than crammed into one session?
A. Dual Coding
B. The Primacy Effect
C. Interleaving
D. The Spacing Effect
Answer: D
Rationale: The spacing effect shows that long-term retention is significantly improved
when study sessions are distributed over time.
8. Which component of the ARCS model focuses on making the instruction
meaningful to the student’s personal goals?
A. Attention
B. Confidence
C. Relevance
D. Satisfaction
Answer: C
Rationale: Relevance ensures students understand how the instruction applies to their
lives or future careers.
1. Which cognitive process involves connecting new information to existing
knowledge structures in long-term memory?
A. Rehearsal
B. Elaboration
C. Maintenance
D. Selective Attention
Answer: B
Rationale: Elaboration is the process of making meaningful connections between new
information and what is already known, which aids in long-term retention.
2. In the context of Cognitive Load Theory, ‘extraneous load’ refers to:
A. The inherent difficulty of the material
B. The mental effort required to build schemas
C. Mental effort that does not contribute to learning
D. The total capacity of working memory
Answer: C
Rationale: Extraneous load is caused by poorly designed instructional materials that
distract from the actual learning task.
,3. According to Self-Determination Theory, which three basic psychological
needs must be met to foster intrinsic motivation?
A. Power, Affiliation, and Achievement
B. Safety, Belonging, and Esteem
C. Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness
D. Survival, Freedom, and Fun
Answer: C
Rationale: Deci and Ryan’s theory identifies autonomy, competence, and relatedness as the
pillars of intrinsic motivation.
4. Which strategy is an example of ‘retrieval practice’?
A. Re-reading a textbook chapter multiple times
B. Taking a practice quiz without using notes
C. Highlighting key terms in a document
D. Watching a video lecture on a topic
Answer: B
Rationale: Retrieval practice involves pulling information out of memory, which
strengthens neural pathways more effectively than passive review.
5. A student believes that their intelligence can be developed through hard
work and persistence. This is an example of:
A. A fixed mindset
B. Self-actualization
C. Internal locus of control
D. A growth mindset
Answer: D
Rationale: Carol Dweck’s growth mindset refers to the belief that abilities are not innate
but can be improved through effort.
, 6. What is the primary function of ‘scaffolding’ in instructional design?
A. To make the task easier for the student by doing the work for them
B. To group students by their intellectual ability
C. To assess the final level of student mastery
D. To provide temporary support as students develop new skills
Answer: D
Rationale: Scaffolding provides the necessary support for learners to accomplish tasks
within their Zone of Proximal Development until they can perform independently.
7. Which concept describes the phenomenon where learning is better when it is
spread out over time rather than crammed into one session?
A. Dual Coding
B. The Primacy Effect
C. Interleaving
D. The Spacing Effect
Answer: D
Rationale: The spacing effect shows that long-term retention is significantly improved
when study sessions are distributed over time.
8. Which component of the ARCS model focuses on making the instruction
meaningful to the student’s personal goals?
A. Attention
B. Confidence
C. Relevance
D. Satisfaction
Answer: C
Rationale: Relevance ensures students understand how the instruction applies to their
lives or future careers.
