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Learning, Knowledge and Human Development MOOC’s Updates

Educational Psychology

Option 1

How does educational psychology contribute to our understanding? What evidence does it offer? What interpretative concepts and theories does it provide?

Educational psychology is the study of how people learn, including teaching methods, instructional processes, and individual differences in learning. It explores the cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and social influences on the learning process. Educational psychologists use this understanding of how people learn to develop instructional strategies and help students succeed in school. This branch of psychology focuses on the learning process of early childhood and adolescence. However, it also explores the social, emotional, and cognitive processes that are involved in learning throughout the entire lifespan. The field of educational psychology incorporates a number of other disciplines, including developmental psychology, behavioral psychology, and cognitive psychology. Approaches to educational psychology include behavioral, developmental, cognitive, constructivist, and experimental perspectives.

Educational Psychology draws from other fields such as neuroscience and often involves standardised testing to obtain information about children’s learning skills and abilities. This information enables us to gain insight into how children learn and process information and what their learning potential might be. And it enables us to recommend specific learning strategies and supports for home and school to help them to reach that potential.

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-educational-psychology-2795157

https://www.melbournechildpsychology.com.au/blog/educational-psychology-how-it-helps-learning/#:~:text=Educational%20Psychology%20draws%20from%20other,their%20learning%20potential%20might%20be

By Danelle Erasmus
Views: 327

One application of quantitative methods in educational psychology is the analysis of test results using psychometric techniques. Psychometrics is the field within educational psychology that focuses on the development, validation, and interpretation of psychological tests and assessments. Here's an example of how quantitative methods can be applied in this context:

Example: Analysis of Standardized Test Scores
Institutional Analysis: A researcher conducts a study to evaluate the effectiveness of a particular educational program implemented across multiple schools. They collect data by administering a standardized test to students before and after the program implementation. The quantitative methods used in this analysis can include:

Reliability Analysis: The researcher assesses the internal consistency of the test items by calculating measures like Cronbach's alpha. This analysis determines the degree to which the items in the test are measuring the same construct consistently.

Item Analysis: The researcher examines individual test items to assess their difficulty level, discrimination power (ability to differentiate between high- and low-performing students), and item response patterns. This analysis helps identify problematic items that may need revision or removal.

Validity Analysis: The researcher examines the validity of the test by investigating whether it measures the intended construct. This can involve correlating test scores with other relevant measures or conducting factor analysis to assess the underlying dimensions of the test.

Comparisons and Group Differences: The researcher compares pre- and post-test scores to evaluate the impact of the educational program. They may also analyze group differences based on demographic variables (e.g., gender, ethnicity) to identify potential disparities in performance.
- Samiel Werede