Learning theories Flashcards
What is operant conditioning?
Manipulation of behaviour towards a stimulus.
Describe operant conditioning
Trial and error learning
Actions shaped and then reinforced
What is complete reinforcement?
Reward given after every correct response. Learning is quicker.
What is partial reinforcement?
Reward given only after a number of correct responses have been given. Learning takes longer but lasts longer.
What is the negative to operant condition?
Desired behaviour may only occur because of reward rather than enjoyment.
What are the stages of operant conditioning?
Stimulus presented by coach
Response through trial and error
Incorrect response - not rewarded
Alternative response to same stimulus
Correct response - positively reinforced strengthening S-R bond
Repetition of correct response until it becomes habitual
What is an S-R bond?
Link between a stimulus and the response made to that stimulus
What are the 2 types of reinforcement?
Positive
Negative
What is positive reinforcement?
After a successful response, the coach will give approval in the form of praise/a satisfier
How will positive reinforcement ensure repetition?
Self esteem of the performer will have increased, so they will be motivated to repeat the desire action
How can a coach use positive reinforcement?
Tangible/intangible rewards
Show results of the desired outcome
Make training fun
Educate performers of the effects of the desired outcome using role models
What are the problems of positive reinforcement?
Too much praise/too many rewards lose the motivational effects
If praise if given to incorrect behaviour, then incorrect S-R bond will be formed
What is negative reinforcement?
Coach will give disapproval or annoyer when incorrect response is given
What does negative reinforcement do?
Weakens an undesired S-R bond
How will a coach use negative reinforcement?
Criticism
Withdraw praise or reward
Sometimes pain can act as an annoyer
What the problems of negative reinforcement?
Demotivates cognitive performers
Reduces confidence levels
Frustration if reasons aren’t given
When is the annoyer withdrawn?
When correct response is given
What is punishment?
Presenting a noxious or unpleasant stimulus to break or weaken incorrect S-R bond
How can you punish an individual?
Embarrassing them Comparing them Penalties Sending players off Fining
What are the three Thorndike’s Laws?
Law of effect
Law of exercise
Law of readiness
What is the law of effect?
Reinforcement will strengthen positive S-R bond and weaken negative S-R bond
What is the law of exercise?
The S-R bond will strengthened by practice and repeating reinforcement
What is the law of readiness?
If reinforcement is to strengthen the S-R bond the performer must be physically, mentally capable of performing the skill
What are the three intervening variables?
Current knowledge
Past experiences
Perception
What is cognitive learning theory?
Centred around thinking and understanding, this is called insight learning. We receive information from our current knowledge and work out what is happening and how to respond by using intervening variables
What are the 5 stages of cognitive learning theory?
1 - Given a problem in the context of a realistic situation
2 - Learners consider problem as a whole
3 - Learners perceive their environment and use intelligence, current knowledge and past experience to find a solution
4 - Learners use intervening variables to help figure out an appropriate response
5 - Insight learning occurs through thinking about the problem as a whole and responding to it
What are the 5 stages of observational learning theory?
1 - Demonstration 2 - Attention 3 - Retention 4 - Motor reproduction 5 - Motivation
Describe the attention stage of observational learning theory
The performer selectively attends to the important aspects of the demonstration
Describe the retention stage of observational learning theory
The learner needs to remember the demonstration
Describe the motor reproduction stage of observational learning theory
The learner must be physically and mentally capable of performing the skill or match the demonstration
Describe the motivation stage of observational learning theory
The learner must have drive and want to learn the skill
How can a coach ensure that the learner is attending to the important aspects of the demonstration?
Key points should be highlighted with verbal guidance to direct the learners attention
Demonstration should be given by the role model
How can a coach ensure that the learner has remembered the important aspects of the demonstration?
Repetition of the demonstration
Use of catchphrases
How can a coach ensure that the learner is able to match the demonstration?
Ensure that the learner is physically capable of performing the skill and mentally capable of understanding the skill
How can a coach ensure that the learner is motivated to learn the skill?
Praise and positive reinforcement to encourage drive to copy the model
