2.2 principles and theories of learning and performance Flashcards
What are the three stages of learning
- The cognitive stage
- Associative stage
- The autonomous stage
What is the cognitive stage of learning
- Performer must think carefully about their actions
- Slow and uncoordinated
- Motor programs not yet developed
- Learning through trial and error
- extrinsic feedback helps them

What is the associative stage of learning
- Motor programmes start to develop and performance become smoother
- Intrinsic feedback can start to be used
What is the autonomous stage of learning
- Motor programs are formed
- Movement is automatic and controlled
What are the four types of feedback
Positive (Encouragement)
Negative (Error correction)
Extrinsic (From an outside source)
Intrinsic (From within)
What is a learning plateau
When there is no sign of improvement in performance
Can be illustrated in a learning curve graph
Explain the four stages of a learning curve
Stage one- Rate of learning slow as using trial and error
Stage two- Rapid acceleration in the rate of learning
Stage three- No improvement in the rate of learning performance remains at the same level
Stage four- Period in which performance may actually deteriorate
What are the likely causes of the plateau in the learning curve
- Lack of motivation
- Boredom
- Poor coaching
- Limited ability
- Fatigue
What solutions are there to prevent the plateau affect
- Get a new coach
- Coach offering more praise and positive reinforcement to increase motivation
- A rest taken to avoid fatigue
- Variety added to the task to avoid boredom
- The plateau concept explained to the performer to prevent further demotivation
What are the four methods of guidance
- Visual
- Verbal
- Manual
- Mechanical
Explain visual guidance and why it’s used
- Is a demonstration of the required task
- Aims to create a mental image
Advantages of visual guidance
- Creates a mental image
- Can be used to highlight weaknesses
- Can be used in conjunction with verbal guidance
Disadvantages of visual guidance
- Relies on the demonstration being completely accurate
- Can be too much information creating confusion
Explain verbal guidance and why it’s used
- An explanation of the required task
- Can be used in conjunction with visual guidance
- Or give technical detailed or tactical advice to a more experienced player
Disadvantages of verbal guidance
- Information overload leads to confusion
- Performer may lose can concentration Unless information is brief relevant and meaningful
- The language must be understandable for the performer
Explain manual guidance and its uses
- Physical support when carrying out the task
- Coach holding the arms of tennis player
What are the disadvantages of manual guidance
- Over reliance on physical support can interfere with the feel of the task
- Losing confidence in ability to do the task
- Up close proximity with coach and performer may be off-putting
What are the advantages of manual guidance
- Helps eliminate danger
- Help perform a build confidence

Explain mechanical guidance and its uses
- Artificial aid used to carry out the task
- Devices like harnesses in trampolining
What are the advantages of mechanical guidance
- Builds confidence
- Eliminate danger
- Gives an early feel for the whole skill
- Can be used with disabled athletes or those recovering from injury
Disadvantages of mechanical guidance
- Can interfere with the feel of the real task
- performer might become overdependent and lose confidence
- Motivation could be lost
What are the four theories of learning
Operant conditioning
Observational learning (Bandura)
Social development theory (Vygotsky)
Insight learning (Gestaltist theories)
Outline the operant conditioning theory of learning
- suggests we learn through reinforcement
- positive reinforcement comes from the idea that success acts as a satisfier
- an annoyer acts as a punishment which promotes the avoidance of incorrect responses
What is positive reinforcement
A pleasant stimulus given to increases the likelihood of the response being repeated
