4.4 - Learning Theories

Question 1

associationist definition

Answer 1

group of theories related to S-R theories. An individual is conditioned by stimuli which are connected or bonded to appropriate responses

Question 2

reinforcement definition

Answer 2

process that increases the probability of a behaviour occurring. reinforcement strengthens the S-R bond.

can be positive or negative

Question 3

positive reinforcement definition

Answer 3

the stimulus is given when desired response occurs

Eg, a form of praise or a reward

Question 4

negative reinforcement definition

Answer 4

stimulus is withdrawn when desired response occur

Eg, when coach stops shouting at performer

Question 5

punishment definition

Answer 5

giving a stimulus to prevent a response from occurring

Eg, a forfeit such as yellow card in football

Question 6

operant conditioning explained

Answer 6

associationist view of learning
- trial and error form of learning
- learning is faster with reward given on each occasion - complete reinforcement as it strengthens the SR bond
however performers can lose intrinsic motivation and only do skills for the reward

Question 7

what is thorndikes law of exercise

Answer 7

repeating or rehearsing the SR connections is more likely to strengthen them, if the desired response occurs, reinforcement is necessary

eg, gymnast floor routine

Question 8

what is thorndikes law of effect

Answer 8

if response is followed by a satisfier then SR bond is strengthened.
if response followed by an annoyer, then SR bond is weakened.
this means that pleasant outcomes are likely to motivate performer to repeat

eg, beginner rugby do successful spin pass = retry successfully

Question 9

what is thorndikes law of readiness

Answer 9

performer must be physically and mentally able to complete the task effectively

eg, trained hockey penalty flick may become predictable = saved = demotivated = new strategies discussed and performed

Question 10

intervening variables definition

Answer 10

mental processes occurring between the stimulus being received and the respires.

eg, taking into account the independent variable if opponents movement during Badminton game

Question 11

insight learning definition

Answer 11

problem solving involving memory. previous experiences are used to help solve new problems

1. Perception
2. Previous experiences
3. Intervening variables

Question 12

cognitive theorists believe that

Answer 12

we are continually receiving information from our surroundings and we work out what is happening using our memories and our previous knowledge and general perception = GESTALTIST THEORY

Question 13

who are the gestaltists?

Answer 13

group of German scientists who established many principles or laws of perception
they extended theses laws to provide accounts of learning and problem solving

SUPPORT WHOLE PRACTICE

Question 14

practice of cognitive learning

Answer 14

cricketer learns how to swing ball when bowling by understanding basic mechanics of this movement is using cognitive theory, although she may not know it

Question 15

social learning

Answer 15

perspective that our personalities are created through a process of observing and imitating others’ behaviour , especially if social reinforcement is present

Question 16

significant others

Answer 16

people who are highly significant to us, often role models

Question 17

cueing

Answer 17

identifying important cues or stimuli

eg, watching arm of opponent when receiving a serve in tennis

Question 18

process of observational learning

Answer 18

1. attention - pay attention to cues, eg watching trailing leg in hurdling
2. retention - remember, mental rehearsal can helped coach in tennis repeating follow through action when serving
3. motor reproduction - must be physically capable of imitating skill eg, beginner repeatedly practising run up of javelin throw
4. motivation - external reinforcement will increase motivation, eg coach praising when vault done correctly

Question 19

When and how much reinforcement to make sure it is effective?

Answer 19

• Reinforcement and punishment should occur as soon as possible after the behaviour to make it effective
• too much reinforcement may be damaging, although it may be valuable in early stages to a learner, this should be reduced so it is only intermittent
• learning is faster if reward given on each occasion (complete)
• learning takes longer but lasts longer if reward goes after a number of correct responses (partial)

Question 20

Law of exercise definition

Answer 20

Repetition strengthens SR bond, so practice is important, if desired response occurs, reinforcement

Question 21

Law of effect definition

Answer 21

Positive outcome or satisfaction from practice strengthens SR bond snd makes you want to repeat it
- negative outcome weakens it

Question 22

Law of readiness definition

Answer 22

You need to be physically and mentally able enough to complete the task effectively

Question 23

What other methods of practice do gestaltists believe in?

Answer 23

Whole practice + put them in a gam situation
Eg, swimming stroke - appreciate the coordination involved in the whole movement as opposed to teaching leg and arm actions separately

Question 24

Advantages of cognitive theory

Answer 24

• performer can become more independent and self correct during a game
• they can adapt better to different situations
• they could make quick progress
• develop kinaesthesis

Question 25

Disadvantages of cognitive theory

Answer 25

• using whole practice on beginner is a problem if skill is too complex or dangerous
• learner could be slower if performer doesn’t understand what to do and therefore lose motivation
• they might not have any past experiences to draw on

Question 26

How to make observational learning more effective?

Answer 26

1. Similarity to us (age, gender, attitude same sport)
2. Powerful - look up to them
3. Caring/ friendly
4. rewarded for their behaviour
5. Demonstration