Previews research on motivational effects of discovery learning, and argues that, although there is general theoretical support for the view that discovery learning methods are superior to expository teaching methods in terms of generating intrinsic motivation, it is unclear whether intrinsic or extrinsic explanations account better for observed…

This paper examines some basic principles of learning theory that have been developed within the discipline of psychology. A brief resume of the psychologist's efforts to analyze the phenomenon of learning within a scientific setting is presented as well as attempts to apply this research to a practical situation (e.g. the classroom). More…