insight learning and operant conditioning Flashcards
what is insight learning with a sporting example
using experience and understanding to solve problems relating to the whole skill
in a 2v1 situation in rugby, the attacking player can pass, kick, take the tackle or dummy. based on past experience, they know the dummy was successful last time so do it again
features of insight learning
- whole task (realistic situation)
- problem solving = self satisfaction
- generate a specific role for the performer
- understanding - intrinsically motivating
- the performer has to think for themselves - which is better than being told by a coach
what is the operant conditioning theory (behaviourism) with an example
learning happens by making and strenthening a link between a stimulus and a response. S-R bond, these bonds are created through reinforcement
a badminton shuttlecock is returned high in the air from mid courtm the best response would be to smash the return
what are the criticisms of operant conditioning
learners arent required to understand why they should do something
tria and error may lead to wrong technique if it leads to initial success - may require unlearning
The stimulus-response bond
Operant conditioning strengthens this bond. Coaches can link the stimulus to the response using positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and punishment.
Positive reinforcement
when a pleasant stimulus is given to increase the likelihood of a correct response eg coach praising a performer will be more likely to be motivated
Negative reinforcement
taking away an unpleasant stimulus after the correct response eg if a coach repeatedly tells a player they are doing badly but then stops, the learner knows the performed the skill correctly
Punishment
an unpleasant stimulus to prevent incorrect actions recurring eg a player given a red card will hopefully not do this again
