Learning theories - operant conditioning Flashcards
What is operant conditioning
Associationist or connectionist view of learning about shaping, then reinforcing behaviour
What conditions are necessary for conditioning to take place
Reinforcement must be present, manipulation of environment
How is operant conditioning learnt
Forming and strengthening the S - R bond
What is the S - R bond
Stimulus - response bond
What is positive reinforcement
Reinforcement given when the desired response occurs
What is the use for positive reinforcement
Increases chance of response happening again
What is a ‘satisfier’ in positive reinforcement
Approval may be praise (intangible reward) or a reward (tangible) e.g. certificate, trophy, money etc
What is negative reinforcement
An undesirable/negative response is given from the teacher/coach following the incorrect response from the learner
What is the process of negative reinforcement
Reinforcement is withdrawn when desired result occurs and replaced with satisfier once corrected
What is punishment
Giving a stimulus to prevent a response occurring
What is the process of punishment
Gives the performer an ‘unpleasant stimulus’ to
prevent a particular response from occurring again
What are Thorndikes laws
Law of exercise, readiness and effect
What does the law of exercise state
● Repetition/ rehearsal will strengthen the S-R bond.
● If the desired response is produced then it must be
reinforced.
● This leads to habit
● Practice makes permanent
What does the law of readiness state
● A Learner must be physically and mentally ready to perform a skill or complete the task
What does the law of effect state
● Any action that is positively reinforced will tend to be repeated.
● If the response is followed by a satisfier, then the S-R bond will be strengthened.
● If the response is followed by an ‘annoyer’ then the S-R bond is weakened
● The pleasant outcomes motivate the performer to repeat the action
