Learning theories - social/ cognitive/ operant conditioning

Question 1

What is Operant Conditioning? explain reinforcement

Answer 1

It is about shaping, then reinforcing behaviour
Conditioning only takes place if reinforcement is present
Complete reinforcement - faster learning if reward is given every time
Partial reinforcement - reward given after a number of correct response.

Question 2

What does Operant Conditioning involve?

Answer 2

Operant conditioning involves the learner forming and strengthening the S-R bond (stimulus- response bond

Question 3

What is positive reinforcement? examples?

Answer 3

Reinforcement given when the desired response occurs
increases chance of response happening again.
Approval may be praise (intangible reward) or a reward (tangible) e.g. certificate, trophy, money etc.

Question 4

What is negative reinforcement?

Answer 4

An undesirable/negative response is given from the teacher/coach following the incorrect response from the learner.

Question 5

Explain punishment

Answer 5

Giving a stimulus to prevent a response occurring.

This gives the performer an ‘unpleasant stimulus’ to prevent a particular response from occurring again.

Question 6

What is the Law of Exercise?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What is the Law of Readiness?

Answer 7

A Learner must be physically and mentally ready to perform a skill or complete the task

Question 8

What is the Law of Effect?
what is the annoyer?
what is the satisfier?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

what’s a feature of operant conditioning?

Answer 9

trial and error