Introduction
Psychology is a vast field, full of many mysteries and wonders. Here at the Central Educational Psychology Agency (CEPA), we are committed to learning all there is to this field in order to better teach and serve students in the classroom. Recently, our team of educators have been hard at work educating all students, employing many solved mysteries that our agency has uncovered that have greatly improved student learning. However, there is one unsolved mystery that has caught the attention of headquarters... One particular student in the 3rd grade Language Arts Division asked a question to one of our chief educators: "What can explain individual behavior?" The teacher did not know and was left speechless! This caused the whole class to become a little uncontrolled - even our top educator had difficulty in settling them down! This caught the attention of headquarters, who has vowed to solve this mystery. HQ has tasked three, specialized, groups of detectives to search out this mystery. Here is what we know:
1). This mystery has three, smaller components.
2). This mystery is rooted in history.
3). Solving this mystery will lead to greater education of students.
Are you ready for your mission, special agent? Then let us look a little deeper into what this operation will require!
Task
In this mission, you will:
1). Research various aspects of a theory of behavior in psychology.
2). Work closely with your other fellow agents to answer various questions on the theory.
3). Share your findings with the class and explain how each theory differs from the rest.
Process
Mission Part 1
This mystery will attempt to answer the question of behavior. Your task is to use your detective skills (remember, detectives only use credible and reliable sources!), and research your assigned behavioral theory on the Internet. Attempt to answer the following questions:
1). Who founded this theory?
2). What are the main ideas of this theory?
3). What is an example of this theory in action when used in the classroom?
Here are some websites to get you started:
Behaviorism In Psychology (simplypsychology.org)
Cognitive Theory - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
What Is Social Cognitive Theory? - Public Health
HQ will assign various duties to each group member:
Field Researcher (all members): Research information on the Internet
Timekeeper: ensures all group members are pacing themselves appropriately and not lagging behind on the mission
Transcriber: responsible for transcribing the group's information onto the whiteboard
Analyzer: ensures that all sources of information for each group member is credible and reliable
Mission Part 2
Next, one all group members are finished, collaborate and discuss your findings with your fellow detectives. When everyone is on the same page about the theory and the questions, the Recorder will transfer the answers to the mission log (journal). Be sure to also include your sources you used from the Internet!
Mission Part 3
Once all groups are finished, the mission board (the whiteboard) will have a category for your theory. The Transcriber of your group will write down your group's answers to the three questions in Part 1 under the respective category as well as the sources from the Internet.
Mission Part 4
When all groups have shared their findings, HQ will debrief the findings of each group, asking for alike and different things about each theory. Every group member must be prepared to share an important finding! HQ will then ask various group members what they think is the more reasonable explanation of behavior and why. It is important to give our special agents a voice! Once this is done, the mission is accomplished. Well done, special agent!
Evaluation
This mission will be considered a success when the students complete the tasks and work cooperatively with each other. Students will gain knowledge about three important theories in psychology, practice and refine their research skills, and synthesize information from each theory. The following rubric will assess each student's performance: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JDrLuOx-HvmRJ5svahF-hBu3yTE9YpIh/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117307041617322268088&rtpof=true&sd=true
Conclusion
Congratulations on a mission accomplished, agent! Headquarters has reported that after implementation of these theories, educators can better understand the relationship and impact of behavior upon learning. Not to mention, the class seems to be in better conduct these days! Although this mystery is solved, we still have some things that you can think about, discuss, and research further, agent.
- What theory do you personally believe will impact learning in the most positive manner and why? Which one will not impact learning much? Why do you suppose that may be?
- How can we use each theory to support the learning of students with disabilities? How might we go about that? Explain your answer.
- Do you have your own theory of learning? How is it different or similar to these three theories?
We hope you enjoyed the mission, agent. CEPA appreciates the work you do in educational psychology!
Credits
Simply Psychology. (2025a, May 12). Behaviorism in Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/behaviorism.html
Simply Psychology. (2025b, May 12). Cognitive approach in Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive.html
Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) - the Decision Lab. (n.d.). The Decision Lab. https://thedecisionlab.com/reference-guide/psychology/social-cognitive-…