Learning theories

Question 1

Name the 3 learning theories

Answer 1

• operant conditioning
• cognitive theory of learning
• social/observational learning

Question 2

EQ. Using practical examples from sport, explain how operant conditioning affects the learning of motor skills (4 marks)

Answer 2

• the performer learns to associate the correct response with a stimuli e.g a badminton player learns to hit the shuttlecock when it is high in the air
• positive reinforcement is used to reinforce the correct behaviour e.g praising the player when they perform a successful smash shot
• this strengthens the S-R bond e.g a player is more likely to hit the smash shot when it is high
• negative reinforcemnt can also be used to strengthen the S-R bond e.g a coach stops shouting when they hit the smash shot correctly and at the right height

Question 3

EQ. Using a sporting example, describe how a coach would teach a performer according to the cognitive theory of learning. (2 marks)

Answer 3

• teach the performer to draw from their past experiences e.g a badminton player remembers from past experiences to use a overhead clear to return a deep serve
• coach to use whole practice e.g practicing an overhead clear in one go

Question 4

EQ. Some performers learn a new skill by following the cognitive theory of learning. Analyse how following this approach may affect their learning. (4 marks)

Answer 4

• develops the kinaesthetic feel
• the performer will be able to adapt to different situations
• performer may lose motivation
• may have no past experiences to draw from

Question 5

EQ. Evaluation of effectiveness of operant conditioning. (6 marks)

Answer 5

+its quick and effective
+good for simple movement tasks
+good for young people who respond well to positive reinforcement
-cant adapt to different situations
-too much positive reinforcement can lead to complacency
-little understanding needed so learning may lack depth

Question 6

EQ. Describe the theory of operant conditioning when applied to the learning of motor skills. (6 marks)

Answer 6

• its a method of learning by association
• and by trial and error
• behaviour is shaped
• through reinforcement
• so that the S-R bond is strengthened
• positive reinforcement is when the performer is rewarded in response to correct behaviour
• the performer should be capable to perform the response