UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development (ZPD) defines the range of tasks that a learner cannot yet perform independently but can accomplish with assistance. Teaching is most effective when it targets this zone,providing appropriate support. The distance mentioned in the stem is precisely this gap between independent and assisted performance. Therefore,the correct term is zone of proximal development.

Option A:
Cognitive dissonance refers to psychological discomfort from holding conflicting beliefs and is not Vygotsky’s concept about assisted learning.

Option B:
The ZPD underpins scaffolding,where teachers or peers provide temporary assistance until learners can act independently. This relationship fits the description in the stem.

Option C:
The law of effect is a behaviourist principle stating that behaviours followed by satisfying consequences are more likely to be repeated; it is unrelated to the idea of a developmental zone.

Option D:
Spiral curriculum is Bruner’s idea of revisiting topics at increasing levels of complexity over time,not the gap between what can be done alone versus with help.