Learning Quiz

True or false: When it comes to learning, metacognition (e.g., thinking about thinking) can be just as important as intelligence.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Research on growth mindset by Carol Dweck and others shows that people’s beliefs about the nature of intelligence affect their level of effort and in turn their performance.

What is the best way to learn from some text?

• Read and reread the text.

• Explain key ideas of the text to yourself while reading.

• Underline key concepts.

• Use a highlighter

Answer explanation

Restating the text in your own words is another form of “active learning.”

True or false: Intelligence is fixed at birth.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

This false belief is sometimes called “fixed mindset.” In fact there’s plenty of evidence that IQ can increase over time given interventions like preschool or reading to a child.

You have a test coming up. What’s the best way to review the material?

• Circle key points in the textbook.

• Review relevant points of the lecture in audio format.

• Take an informal quiz based on the material.

Answer explanation

Quizzes are a form of “active learning” that promotes better recall.

To which of the following should you not tailor your learning?

• Learning styles (visual, audio, etc.)

• Previous knowledge

• Interests

• Ability

Answer explanation

The idea that people have different primary learning styles is a myth with no evidence.

True or false: Learning should be spaced out over time.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Much research supports the idea that “spaced repetition” helps you retain knowledge over the long term.

True or false: Right-brained people learn differently from left-brained people.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Recent brain scan research provides no evidence for the idea that individuals are left-brain or right-brain dominant in the first place, much less that this supposed difference might affect learning.