Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMajor PerspectivesTopics of StudyCareersHistoryFrequently Asked Questions

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Educational psychology is the study ofhow people learnand retain information. It mainly focuses on the learning process of early childhood and adolescence; however, learning is a lifelong endeavor. People don’t only learn at school; rather, they learn through all of their life experiences, including at home, with friends, at work, through social media, and through culture.

Educational psychologists study the biological, cognitive, emotional, and social factors involved in learning and deepen our understanding of instructional strategies, individual learning styles, and the importance of the environmental context. They may specialize in children with specific learning challenges and develop teaching methods that help students succeed in school.

Educational psychology incorporates severalother psychology disciplines, includingdevelopmental psychology,behavioral psychology, andcognitive psychology. Over time, five main schools of thought have emerged, including behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, experientialism, and social contextual learning theories.

This article discusses some of the different perspectives taken within the field of educational psychology, topics that educational psychologists study, and career options in this field.

2:078 Things to Know About Educational Psychology

2:07

8 Things to Know About Educational Psychology

Perspectives in Educational Psychology

As with other areas of psychology, researchers within educational psychology tend to take on different perspectives when considering a problem. These perspectives focus on specific factors that influence learning, including thoughts, emotions, behaviors, experiences, and more.

Five main schools of thought dominate this field of research, including behavioral, developmental, cognitive, constructivist, and experiential perspectives.

The Behavioral Perspective

This perspective suggests that all behaviors are learned through conditioning, such aspositive reinforcement. Psychologists who take this perspective rely firmly on the principles ofoperant conditioningto explain how learning happens.

While such methods can be useful in some cases, the behavioral approach has been criticized for failing to account for internal processes such asattitudes, emotions, andintrinsic motivationsfor learning.

The Developmental Perspective

The developmental perspective includes studying biological, cognitive, emotional, and social development throughout the lifespan. This perspective focuses on how children acquire new skills and knowledge as they grow and develop.

For developmental psychologists, there is a balance betweennature and nurturein the learning process. This means that as the brain develops, the capacity for learning, problem-solving, and memory increases, and at the same time, life experiences with family, playmates, teachers, and mentors facilitate the learning process and acquisition of knowledge.

Jean Piaget’sstages of cognitive developmentare one example of an important developmental theory that examines how children grow intellectually.

By understanding how children think at different stages of development, educational psychologists can better understand what children are capable of at each point of their growth. This can help educators create instructional methods and materials aimed at specific age groups.

The Cognitive Perspective

The cognitive approach has become much more widespread, mainly because it accounts for factors such as thinking, attention, information processing, and memory formation.

Cognitive psychologists value constructs such as individual beliefs, perspectives,emotions, and motivations that contribute to the learning process.This theory supports the idea that a person learns because of their ownintrinsic motivation, not because of external rewards as a behaviorist would view it.

Cognitive psychology aims to understand how people think, learn, remember, and process information.

Educational psychologists who take a cognitive perspective are interested in understanding how kids become motivated to learn, how they remember the things that they learn, and how they solve problems, among other topics.

The Constructivist Approach

This perspective focuses on how we actively construct our knowledge of the world.Constructivism accounts for the social and cultural influences that affect how we learn.

Those who take the constructivist approach believe that what a person already knows significantly influences how they learn new information. This means that new knowledge can only be added to and understood in terms of existing knowledge.

Experiential Perspective

This perspective emphasizes that a person’s life experiences influence how they understand new information.This method is similar to constructivist and cognitive perspectives in that it considers the learner’s experiences, thoughts, and feelings.

This method allows someone to find personal meaning in what they learn instead of feeling that the information doesn’t apply to them.

RecapDifferent perspectives on human learning can be helpful when looking at topics within the field of educational psychology. Each school of thought provides a unique perspective that adds to our overall understanding of the learner and the learning environment.

Recap

Different perspectives on human learning can be helpful when looking at topics within the field of educational psychology. Each school of thought provides a unique perspective that adds to our overall understanding of the learner and the learning environment.

Topics in Educational Psychology

From the materials teachers use to the individual needs of students, educational psychologists delve deep to more fully understand the learning process. Some of these topics of study in educational psychology include:

Careers in Educational Psychology

Educational psychologists work with educators, administrators, teachers, and students to analyze how to help people learn best. This often involves identifying students who may need extra help, developing programs for struggling students, and even creating new learning methods.

A bachelor’s degree and master’s degree are usually required for careers in this field; if you want to work at a university or in school administration, you may also need to complete a doctorate.

RecapEducational psychologists often work in schools to help students and teachers improve the learning experience. Other professionals in this field conduct research to investigate the learning process and evaluate programs designed to foster learning.

Educational psychologists often work in schools to help students and teachers improve the learning experience. Other professionals in this field conduct research to investigate the learning process and evaluate programs designed to foster learning.

Careers in Psychology

History of Educational Psychology

Many regard philosopher Johann Herbart as the father of educational psychology.

Other Significant Figures

Throughout history, several additional figures have played an important role in the development of educational psychology. Some of these well-known individuals include:

The Role of Accommodation in Learning

Final Thoughts

Educational psychology offers valuable insights into how people learn and plays an important role in informing educational strategies and teaching methods. In addition to exploring the learning process itself, different areas of educational psychology explore the emotional, social, and cognitive factors that can influence how people learn. If you are interested in topics such as special education, curriculum design, and educational technology, then you might want to consider pursuing a career in the field of educational psychology.

Frequently Asked QuestionsA master’s in educational psychology can prepare you for a career working in K-12 schools, colleges and universities, government agencies, community organizations, and counseling practices. A career as an educational psychologist involves working with children, families, schools, and other community and government agencies to create programs and resources that enhance learning.The primary focus of educational psychology is the study of how people learn. This includes exploring the instructional processes, studying individual differences in how people learn, and developing teaching methods to help people learn more effectively.Educational psychology is important because it has the potential to help both students and teachers. It provides important information for educators to help them create educational experiences, measure learning, and improve student motivation.Educational psychology can aid teachers in better understanding the principles of learning in order to design more engaging and effective lesson plans and classroom experiences. It can also foster a better understanding of how learning environments, social factors, and student motivation can influence how students learn.

A master’s in educational psychology can prepare you for a career working in K-12 schools, colleges and universities, government agencies, community organizations, and counseling practices. A career as an educational psychologist involves working with children, families, schools, and other community and government agencies to create programs and resources that enhance learning.

The primary focus of educational psychology is the study of how people learn. This includes exploring the instructional processes, studying individual differences in how people learn, and developing teaching methods to help people learn more effectively.

Educational psychology is important because it has the potential to help both students and teachers. It provides important information for educators to help them create educational experiences, measure learning, and improve student motivation.

Educational psychology can aid teachers in better understanding the principles of learning in order to design more engaging and effective lesson plans and classroom experiences. It can also foster a better understanding of how learning environments, social factors, and student motivation can influence how students learn.

17 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Parsonson BS.Evidence-based classroom behaviour management strategies.Kairaranga. 2012;13(1):16-20.Welsh JA, Nix RL, Blair C, Bierman KL, Nelson KE.The development of cognitive skills and gains in academic school readiness for children from low-income families.J Educ Psychol. 2010;102(1):43-53. doi:10.1037/a0016738Babakr ZH, Mohamedamin P, Kakamad K.Piaget’s cognitive developmental theory: Critical review.Asian Institute of Research: Education Quarterly Reviews.2019;2(3). doi:10.31014/aior.1993.02.03.84Roediger HL III.Applying cognitive psychology to education.Psychol Sci Public Interest. 2013;14(1):1-3. doi:10.1177/1529100612454415Dennick R.Constructivism: Reflections on twenty five years teaching the constructivist approach in medical education.Int J Med Educ. 2016;7:200-205. doi:10.5116/ijme.5763.de11Binson B, Lev-Wiesel R.Promoting personal growth through experiential learning: The case of expressive arts therapy for lecturers in Thailand.Front Psychol.2018;8. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02276Duque E, Gairal R, Molina S, Roca E.How the psychology of education contributes to research with a social impact on the education of students with special needs: The case of successful educational actions.Front Psychol.2020;11. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00439Barbier K, Donche V, Verschueren K.Academic (under)achievement of intellectually gifted students in the transition between primary and secondary education: An individual learner perspective.Front Psychol.2019;10. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02533American Psychological Association.Careers in psychology.Greenfield PM.The changing psychology of culture from 1800 through 2000.Psychol Sci.2013;24(9):1722-1731. doi:10.1177/0956797613479387Johanningmeier EV.Herbart, Johann Friedrich. In:Encyclopedia of the History of Psychological Theories. Springer; 2012:508-510. doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-0463-8_134Sutinen A.William James’s educational will to believe. In:Theories of Bildung and Growth. SensePublishers; 2012:213-226. doi:10.1007/978-94-6209-031-6_14Michell J.Alfred Binet and the concept of heterogeneous orders.Front Psychol. 2012;3. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00261Talebi K.John Dewey - Philosopher and educational reformer.Eur J Educ Stud.2015;1(1):1-4.Anderson LW.Benjamin S. Bloom: His life, his works, and his legacy.In: Zimmerman BJ, Schunk DH, eds.,Educational Psychology: A Century of Contributions. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers; 2003:367-389.Androne M.Notes on John Locke’s views on education.Procedia Soc Behav Sci.2014;137:74-79. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.05.255Overskeid G.Do we need the environment to explain operant behavior?Front Psychol. 2018;9. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00373Additional ReadingAmerican Psychological Association.Understanding educational psychology.

17 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Parsonson BS.Evidence-based classroom behaviour management strategies.Kairaranga. 2012;13(1):16-20.Welsh JA, Nix RL, Blair C, Bierman KL, Nelson KE.The development of cognitive skills and gains in academic school readiness for children from low-income families.J Educ Psychol. 2010;102(1):43-53. doi:10.1037/a0016738Babakr ZH, Mohamedamin P, Kakamad K.Piaget’s cognitive developmental theory: Critical review.Asian Institute of Research: Education Quarterly Reviews.2019;2(3). doi:10.31014/aior.1993.02.03.84Roediger HL III.Applying cognitive psychology to education.Psychol Sci Public Interest. 2013;14(1):1-3. doi:10.1177/1529100612454415Dennick R.Constructivism: Reflections on twenty five years teaching the constructivist approach in medical education.Int J Med Educ. 2016;7:200-205. doi:10.5116/ijme.5763.de11Binson B, Lev-Wiesel R.Promoting personal growth through experiential learning: The case of expressive arts therapy for lecturers in Thailand.Front Psychol.2018;8. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02276Duque E, Gairal R, Molina S, Roca E.How the psychology of education contributes to research with a social impact on the education of students with special needs: The case of successful educational actions.Front Psychol.2020;11. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00439Barbier K, Donche V, Verschueren K.Academic (under)achievement of intellectually gifted students in the transition between primary and secondary education: An individual learner perspective.Front Psychol.2019;10. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02533American Psychological Association.Careers in psychology.Greenfield PM.The changing psychology of culture from 1800 through 2000.Psychol Sci.2013;24(9):1722-1731. doi:10.1177/0956797613479387Johanningmeier EV.Herbart, Johann Friedrich. In:Encyclopedia of the History of Psychological Theories. Springer; 2012:508-510. doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-0463-8_134Sutinen A.William James’s educational will to believe. In:Theories of Bildung and Growth. SensePublishers; 2012:213-226. doi:10.1007/978-94-6209-031-6_14Michell J.Alfred Binet and the concept of heterogeneous orders.Front Psychol. 2012;3. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00261Talebi K.John Dewey - Philosopher and educational reformer.Eur J Educ Stud.2015;1(1):1-4.Anderson LW.Benjamin S. Bloom: His life, his works, and his legacy.In: Zimmerman BJ, Schunk DH, eds.,Educational Psychology: A Century of Contributions. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers; 2003:367-389.Androne M.Notes on John Locke’s views on education.Procedia Soc Behav Sci.2014;137:74-79. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.05.255Overskeid G.Do we need the environment to explain operant behavior?Front Psychol. 2018;9. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00373Additional ReadingAmerican Psychological Association.Understanding educational psychology.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Parsonson BS.Evidence-based classroom behaviour management strategies.Kairaranga. 2012;13(1):16-20.Welsh JA, Nix RL, Blair C, Bierman KL, Nelson KE.The development of cognitive skills and gains in academic school readiness for children from low-income families.J Educ Psychol. 2010;102(1):43-53. doi:10.1037/a0016738Babakr ZH, Mohamedamin P, Kakamad K.Piaget’s cognitive developmental theory: Critical review.Asian Institute of Research: Education Quarterly Reviews.2019;2(3). doi:10.31014/aior.1993.02.03.84Roediger HL III.Applying cognitive psychology to education.Psychol Sci Public Interest. 2013;14(1):1-3. doi:10.1177/1529100612454415Dennick R.Constructivism: Reflections on twenty five years teaching the constructivist approach in medical education.Int J Med Educ. 2016;7:200-205. doi:10.5116/ijme.5763.de11Binson B, Lev-Wiesel R.Promoting personal growth through experiential learning: The case of expressive arts therapy for lecturers in Thailand.Front Psychol.2018;8. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02276Duque E, Gairal R, Molina S, Roca E.How the psychology of education contributes to research with a social impact on the education of students with special needs: The case of successful educational actions.Front Psychol.2020;11. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00439Barbier K, Donche V, Verschueren K.Academic (under)achievement of intellectually gifted students in the transition between primary and secondary education: An individual learner perspective.Front Psychol.2019;10. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02533American Psychological Association.Careers in psychology.Greenfield PM.The changing psychology of culture from 1800 through 2000.Psychol Sci.2013;24(9):1722-1731. doi:10.1177/0956797613479387Johanningmeier EV.Herbart, Johann Friedrich. In:Encyclopedia of the History of Psychological Theories. Springer; 2012:508-510. doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-0463-8_134Sutinen A.William James’s educational will to believe. In:Theories of Bildung and Growth. SensePublishers; 2012:213-226. doi:10.1007/978-94-6209-031-6_14Michell J.Alfred Binet and the concept of heterogeneous orders.Front Psychol. 2012;3. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00261Talebi K.John Dewey - Philosopher and educational reformer.Eur J Educ Stud.2015;1(1):1-4.Anderson LW.Benjamin S. Bloom: His life, his works, and his legacy.In: Zimmerman BJ, Schunk DH, eds.,Educational Psychology: A Century of Contributions. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers; 2003:367-389.Androne M.Notes on John Locke’s views on education.Procedia Soc Behav Sci.2014;137:74-79. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.05.255Overskeid G.Do we need the environment to explain operant behavior?Front Psychol. 2018;9. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00373

Parsonson BS.Evidence-based classroom behaviour management strategies.Kairaranga. 2012;13(1):16-20.

Welsh JA, Nix RL, Blair C, Bierman KL, Nelson KE.The development of cognitive skills and gains in academic school readiness for children from low-income families.J Educ Psychol. 2010;102(1):43-53. doi:10.1037/a0016738

Babakr ZH, Mohamedamin P, Kakamad K.Piaget’s cognitive developmental theory: Critical review.Asian Institute of Research: Education Quarterly Reviews.2019;2(3). doi:10.31014/aior.1993.02.03.84

Roediger HL III.Applying cognitive psychology to education.Psychol Sci Public Interest. 2013;14(1):1-3. doi:10.1177/1529100612454415

Dennick R.Constructivism: Reflections on twenty five years teaching the constructivist approach in medical education.Int J Med Educ. 2016;7:200-205. doi:10.5116/ijme.5763.de11

Binson B, Lev-Wiesel R.Promoting personal growth through experiential learning: The case of expressive arts therapy for lecturers in Thailand.Front Psychol.2018;8. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02276

Duque E, Gairal R, Molina S, Roca E.How the psychology of education contributes to research with a social impact on the education of students with special needs: The case of successful educational actions.Front Psychol.2020;11. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00439

Barbier K, Donche V, Verschueren K.Academic (under)achievement of intellectually gifted students in the transition between primary and secondary education: An individual learner perspective.Front Psychol.2019;10. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02533

American Psychological Association.Careers in psychology.

Greenfield PM.The changing psychology of culture from 1800 through 2000.Psychol Sci.2013;24(9):1722-1731. doi:10.1177/0956797613479387

Johanningmeier EV.Herbart, Johann Friedrich. In:Encyclopedia of the History of Psychological Theories. Springer; 2012:508-510. doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-0463-8_134

Sutinen A.William James’s educational will to believe. In:Theories of Bildung and Growth. SensePublishers; 2012:213-226. doi:10.1007/978-94-6209-031-6_14

Michell J.Alfred Binet and the concept of heterogeneous orders.Front Psychol. 2012;3. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00261

Talebi K.John Dewey - Philosopher and educational reformer.Eur J Educ Stud.2015;1(1):1-4.

Anderson LW.Benjamin S. Bloom: His life, his works, and his legacy.In: Zimmerman BJ, Schunk DH, eds.,Educational Psychology: A Century of Contributions. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers; 2003:367-389.

Androne M.Notes on John Locke’s views on education.Procedia Soc Behav Sci.2014;137:74-79. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.05.255

Overskeid G.Do we need the environment to explain operant behavior?Front Psychol. 2018;9. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00373

American Psychological Association.Understanding educational psychology.

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