12. The most accurate statement about teaching machines is that:
B.F. Skinner, a behavioral psychologist, pioneered the use of teaching machines in the 1950s. His idea was to apply operant conditioning principles to education, allowing learners to receive immediate reinforcement.
Option A: B. F. Skinner began the movement for their use – Correct; he introduced the idea and created early prototypes.
Option B: Designed to replace teachers – Incorrect; they were meant to support, not replace, teachers.
Option C: Not as efficient in reinforcing responses – Incorrect; they were precisely designed to efficiently reinforce learning.
Option D: Can be used for all programs – Overgeneralization; not all subjects are suited to this format.
The College Entrance Examination Board is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that administers standardized tests like the SAT. It doesn't impose national control in a policy sense, unlike federal initiatives.
Option A: National Science Foundation – Federal body influencing curricula and research priorities.
Option B: National Institute of Mental Health – Involves federal research and psychological standards.
Option C: College Board – Correct; it’s a private entity, not a national policymaker.
Option D: National Defence Education Act – Enacted federal control and funding post-Sputnik.
Rationalization is a defense mechanism where a person justifies a failure with a seemingly logical reason instead of accepting the real cause—in this case, not studying. It's a way to protect self-esteem.
Option A: Conversion – Psychological condition involving repressed conflict turning into symptoms.
Option B: Sympathism – Not a recognized psychological term.
Option C: Rationalization – Correct; making excuses to justify failure.
Option D: Compensation – Involves making up for a weakness by excelling elsewhere.