According to Vygotsky in developmental psychology, what is the technique called that involves changing the level of support provided to a learner as they progress toward independence?

• A. Classical conditioning
• B. Operant conditioning
• C. Assimilation
• D. Scaffolding

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the question is about a concept in developmental psychology introduced by Vygotsky, focusing on how support is adjusted as a learner gains independence.
2. Recall that Vygotsky emphasized the social context of learning and introduced the idea of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), which is the difference between what a learner can do without help and what they can achieve with guidance.
3. Identify that the technique involving changing the level of support as the learner progresses is designed to help them move through their ZPD effectively.
4. Recognize that this technique is called 'Scaffolding,' which means providing tailored support that is gradually removed as the learner becomes more competent.
5. Differentiate 'Scaffolding' from other options like Classical conditioning (learning through association), Operant conditioning (learning through consequences), and Assimilation (integrating new information into existing schemas), which are unrelated to this specific concept.