Nine-Year-Old Ricky Has Recently Learned How to Solve Long Division

question 7

Multiple Choice

Nine-year-old Ricky has recently learned how to solve long division problems, and he still struggles with especially difficult problems. At his mother's request, he helps his eight-year-old sister Lucy with the simple long division problems she must do for her math homework. From the perspective of Vygotsky's theory, which one of the following is most likely to result?

• A) Ricky's own long division skills will improve because he is more motivated.
• B) Ricky will gain nothing from helping his sister because doing long division is outside his zone of proximal development.
• C) Ricky's own long division skills will decrease, because any mistakes that Lucy makes will "corrupt" his own mathematical thinking.
• D) By helping Lucy with her long division problems, Ricky will be able to practice using the central conceptual structure that underlies his mathematical thinking.

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Definitions:

Chronological Age

The actual age of a person measured in years from the date of birth.

Age-Group Comparison Norms

A set of benchmarks used to evaluate individual's performance against the typical performance seen within specific age groups.

Standardization

The process of making something conform to a standard in order to ensure consistency and compatibility.

Psychology Test

A standardized procedure designed to measure an individual's behavior and mental processes.