learning theories

Question 1

what is operant conditioning ?

Answer 1

Operant conditioning can strengthen an S_R bond through praise and reinforcement
Behaviour is shaped and modified through manipulation of the environment
The learner will use trial and error to find the correct response
Behaviour is more likely to be modified by a role model

Question 2

what is a sporting example of operant conditioning ?

Answer 2

A tennis coach will ask learners to hit a tennis ball over the net using a forehand. The learners will attempt the skill and may get it wrong. The coach will negatively reinforce these responses forcing the learners to find an alternative way of completing the task. Once the learner get the ball over the net using the right technique the coach will praise the learner, strengthening the stimulus-response bond. The learner will then be motivated to repeat the correct action until the response becomes habitual.

Question 3

what is Thorndike’s law?

Answer 3

Law of Effect
-If behaviour is reinforced then the learning bond is strengthened. This can be done through positive reinforcement or the presentation of a satisfier
Law of Exercise
-The S-R learning bond will be strengthened by practice & repeated reinforcement
Law of Readiness
-If reinforcement is to strengthen the S-R learning bond the performer must be physically & mentally capable of performing the skill

Question 4

what is a sporting example of Thorndike’s law ?

Answer 4

A basketball coach will praise a learner for using correct shooting technique
The learner will repeat/practice the correct shooting technique over and over again which will, in turn be reinforced by the coach
The basketball coach will demonstrate basic shooting and passing techniques to a group of cognitive performers

Question 5

what is cognitive theory of learning ?

Answer 5

Cognitive theory is centred around thinking and understanding
The learner will use problem solving skills in the context of a realistic situation
The learner will use perception to make sense of their environment
They will also use past experience to help find a solution to the problem
These are referred to as intervening variables
When a solution is found this is called insight learning

Question 6

what is a sporting example of cognitive theory of learning ?

Answer 6

The Problem - A football player playing on a slippery surface

Perception – The learner notices the pitch is wet and slippery and that they may fall over
Past Experience/reminiscence - The learner may have fallen over the last time they tried to run on a wet pitch
Solution – Using intelligence the learner may identify that incorrect footwear was the problem in the past and may choose to wear more appropriate footwear in future

Question 7

what is observational learning /social learning theory?

Answer 7

is the copying of others
1.Demonstration given by the coach
2.Attention
The performer selectively attends to the important aspects of the demonstration
3.Retention
The learner needs to remember the demonstration
4.Retention
The learner needs to remember the demonstration
5.Motor Reproduction
The learner must be capable of performing the skill or match the demonstration
6.Motivation
The learner must have drive & want to learn the skill