Learning Theories

Question 1

What are the three learning theories?

Answer 1

Operant conditioning
Cognitive learning theory
Observational Learning Theory

Question 2

What is positive reinforcement?

Answer 2

A stimulus which is given when the desired response occurs which encourages performer to repeat the same correct response and strengthens the S-R bond. Usually praise or a reward

Question 3

What is negative reinforcement?

Answer 3

An adverse stimulus which is withdrawn when the desired response occurs. Encourages correct S-R bond formation
eg. coach stops shouting instructions when gymnast points toes properly

Question 4

What is punishment?

Answer 4

The presentation of an adverse event in order to discourage the previous/ incorrect behaviour. OR
Giving a stimulus to prevent a response occurring. Discourages incorrect S-R bond formation
eg. laps around a field

Question 5

What are the guidelines for reinforcement?

Answer 5

1. Reinforce immediately
2. Be consistent
3. Respond to effort and behaviour
4. Allow for mistakes
5. Maintain reinforcement even after behaviour is learnt

Question 6

Who created the operant conditioning learning theory?

Answer 6

B F Skinner

Question 7

What is operant conditioning?

Answer 7

associationist theory of learning, trial and error learning.

1. Association learning it link a stimulus with a set response
2. The correct behaviour is then reinforced
3. This forms/strengthens the S-R bond
4. The performer will learn the skills faster if the reinforcement/reward is given on every occasion (positive reinforcement)
5. A process of trial and error learning occurs for this new skill
6. Negative reinforcement strengthens the SR bond.
7. Punishments can be given to prevent a response occurring, weakening incorrect SR bond
8. Environmental manipulation can improve the bond through conditioned practices
9. Shaping- learning shapes or modifies behaviour/coach praises skills that are along the right lines/ignores techniques that are wrong
10. Thorndikes laws are considered

Question 8

What are Thorndikes 3 laws?

Answer 8

Law of exercise
Law of readiness
Law affect

Question 9

what is the law of effect?

Answer 9

If behaviour is followed by satisfier it is more likely to be repeated. S-R bond is strengthened
If behaviour is followed by an annoyer it is less likely to be reproduced. S-R bond is weakened
-

Question 10

What is the law of exercise?

Answer 10

The more often of response is practiced the stronger the learning bond will become. repeating or rehearsing the SR connections is more likely to strengthen them.

Question 11

What is the law of readiness?

Answer 11

Learning can only take place if the performer is physically and mentally ready / prepared

Question 12

what is a practical example of the law of exercise?

Answer 12

if a gymnast practices a floor routine repeatedly, then the stimulus-response bonds are repeated. The more times the routine is practiced the more likely a response will be bonded to a particular stimulus

Question 13

what is a practical example of the law of readiness?

Answer 13

A hockey player who has been drilled to perform a particular penalty kick may become predictable and demotivated by inhibition. Practice should be stopped for a while, new strategies should be discussed and practiced later. New targets should be set and then practice resumed

Question 14

what is a practical examples for the law of effect?

Answer 14

is a beginner rugby player is it attempting a spin pass, and is successful then the ‘effect’ is deemed to be more successful and is more likely for the player to perform the skill successfully again. If the player is unsuccessful and the effect is failure - the ball does not go in the right direction- then the effect is one that has subsequently avoided

Question 15

What are intervening variables?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

What is insight learning?

Answer 16

Problem-solving involving memory. Previous experiences are used to help solve new problems.

Question 17

What is the acronym to remember cognitive learning theory?

Answer 17

Whole
Intervening variables
Perception
Past experiences
Insight

Question 18

What is the cognitive learning theory?

Answer 18

this theory suggest they are intervening variables. It is concerned with thinking and understanding rather than linking a stimulus with a response.

-Learning takes place in a realistic situation
-Learning can be accelerated by using insight or intuition, solve a problem
-The problem is solved by drawing on past experiences, and by developing a perception of what is required to answer a task
-Learning is most effective, when a problem is seen as a whole, or when a pattern of movement can be practised. This enables a learner to see all the issues and relationships which need to be considered.
-This is the highest form of learning that requires mental reasoning and intelligence
-The performer must be motivated and have a positive self image in order to reach a solution
-Using perception learning is optimised and can be adapted and use more successfully by the development of schemas
-Decision making

Question 19

what is the main differences between the connectionist theories and cognitive learning theory?

Answer 19

CONNECTIONIST- skills best delivered in parts. The development of the learning bond by connecting the stimulus with a response explains how we learn

COGNITIVE- skills are best delivered as a whole. The development of insights occurring when the whole pattern is solved, explains how we learn.

Question 20

Who was the observational learning theory created by?

Answer 20

Albert Bandura

Question 21

what is the observational learning theory?

Answer 21

States our behaviour is formed by copying others
Copying is more likely to occur if a significant other is observed
Reinforcement makes copying more likely to occur
Theory drives from a ‘bobo’ doll experiment
We copy skills perform by others because we are motivated to achieve success and because of our drive to be excepted by others

Question 22

what is the process of observational learning?

Answer 22

ATTENTION- to be able to imitate a demonstration, the performer must pay attention to it and focus on important cues. The amount of attention paid will be influenced by the perceived attractiveness of the model. The personal characteristics of the observer under incentives that are present are also important influences
RETENTION- the observer must be able to remember the model that is presented. Therefore, he or she needs to create a mental picture of the process. Mental rehearsal can improve retention of this image.
MOTOR REPRODUCTION- the observer must be physically and mentally able to imitate the skill being observed. Demonstrations should therefore be matched to the capabilities of the observer. Feedback during future practices will be important for motor reproduction is to eventually match the model.
MOTIVATION- the level of motivation of the observer is crucial if they are going to imitate the performance. External reinforcement of the model will increase the motivation to imitate it

Question 23

What are the factors which affect modelling?

Answer 23

-Model is of a high status/role model/significant
-Similar to us
-High standard
-Models behaviour is reinforced/praised
-Socially acceptable behaviour
-Warm, friendly, attractive
-Demo is clear + repeated
-Observer is focused on the relative cues/can remember what they have seen/ uses mental rehearsal
-Observer is motivated