4.4 Learning theories Flashcards
What are the four learning theories?
- operant conditioning theory
- social learning theory
- cognitive learning theory
-thorndikes laws learning theory
What are the four parts of operant conditioning
- trial and error learning
- correct response is rewarded
- Reinforcement of correct response
- behaviour is shaped
Explain trial and error part of operant conditioning?
- coach gives demo of skill to learner
- learner attempts skill many times, making errors then completes skill correctly
Explain the correct response rewarded part of operant conditioning?
- coach trying to get learner to associate certain response to a certain stimulus - known as stimulus response bond)
- stimulus is the situation presented to performer, the response is how they respond to stimulus
- more skill is practised stronger the SR bond
Explain reinforcement stage of operant conditioning?
- reinforcement used to shape certain behaviours, makes more likely for behaviour to be repeated
- correct response should be rewarded (positive reinforcement - addition of a positive stimulus (praise))
- negative reinforcement is the removal of negative stimulus (critisism) when correct response is performed
- punishment is the addition of a negative stimulus when an incorrect reponse is performed
Explain the shaping behavioru part of operant conditioning?
- through reinforcement, coach is shaping learners behaviour by praising correct response, performer learns they should do the same response, SR bond strengthens
Give a sporting example of operat conditioning
during football shooting practise coach may direct players to strike the ball into right (goal)
-if they do this -> rewarded
-area is then reduced to top right of goal
-rewarding this behaviour strengthens the link
What is thorndikes law based on S-R bonds
-law of exercise: rehearsing/ repeating actions stregthens reinforcement
-law of effect: if followed by a plesant reaction, then S-R bond is strengthened- if reaction is negative S-R bond is weakened
-law of readiness: athlete must be both mentally and physically capable of performing the skill efficiently
Give a sporting example of thorndikes law
HOCKEY
-exe3rcise: repeated dribbling practise -> strengthens SR bond
effect: positive comments about dribbling technqiue strengthens SR bond, negative comments weaken SR bond
readiness: if performer is injured they may not be able to dribble effectively
What is operant conditioning an example of
-associationist/ connectionist view of learning
What is an associationist
-group of theories related to connecting stimulus & response
-these theories are often referred to as S-R theories
-individual is conditioned by stimuli which are ‘connected’/ ‘bonded’ to appropriate responses
Explain what Skinner revealed about operant conditioining in 1964
-conditioning -> more effective through manipulation of behaviour
Explain the experiment Skinner carried out using a rat
-used box with rat in it
-if rat hit lever, food would come out
-through trial and error rat learned that hitting lever would produce food
-became known as operant conditioining/ trial and error learning
What did Skinner conclude about the rat hitting the lever
-hitting lever gave food, a reward which reinforced the hitting action
-OC- concerned with actions being shaped and reinforced
What is complete reinforcement
the idea that learning is faster if a reward is given on every occasion
What is reinforcement
process that increases the probability of a behaviour occurring
-strengthens stimulus response (S-R) bond
-can be positive/ negative
What is positive reinforcement
stimulus is given when desired response occurs
What is negative reinforcement
stimulus is withdrawn when desired response occurs
What is partial reinforcement
if reward is given after a number of correct response
-learning takes longer but lasts longer
How are Thorndike’s laws linked to operant conditioining
how we fully develop a stimulus response bond depends on extent Thorndike’s laws are applied
What is Thorndike’s law of exercise
rehearsing/ repeating actions strengthens reinforcement
What is Thorndike’s law of effect
if followed by a pleasant reaction, then S-R bond is strengthened- if reaction is negative S-R bond is weakened
What is Thorndike’s law of readiness
athlete must be both mentally and physically capable of performing the skill efficiently
What are cognitive theories
concerned with thinking and understanding, not connecting stimuli with response
-known as insight learning