Lecture 2: Feedback, Reinforcement and Instrinsic motivation

Question 1

Reinforcement principles & coaching

Answer 1

• S:R -> C

- Consequences are manipulated by coaches to optimize learned responses to the stimulus

Question 2

Consequences

Answer 2

• Reinforcers = + (increases future probability of desired behaviour)
  = - (when removed: increases future probability of desired behaviour)
• Punisher = when presented: decreases future probability of undesired behaviour

Question 3

Responses to reinforcement vs. punishment

Answer 3

• Emotion: R->pride/job vs. P-> anxiety/shame

- Behaviour: R-> approach vs. P->avoidance

Question 4

Positive coaching

Answer 4

• “5-to-1 ratio of positive vs. negative feedback”

- Increases enjoyment, increases team/coach liking, increases team cohesion

Question 5

Effective reinforcement

Answer 5

• Why reinforcements aren’t always effective = individual differences (e.g. M/F)
  = targeted behaviour not controlled (e.g. in team sports)
  = additional reinforcements acting on individual
• Different sorts of reinforcements used in sport = social (praise), material (money), activity (getting a rest)
• Other important aspects = immediate rather than delayed
  = unexpected vs. expected
  = contingent on specific behaviour (effort, social/emotional skills)

Question 6

Effect of competition (winning/losing)

Answer 6

• Deci et al. (1981) Block task study to create shapes from parts in free-choice times
  = competition increases EM
  = increases means of IM in no-competition conditions
• Advantages of IM = persistence, creativity, understanding, low stress/high wellbeing
• Competition reduces autonomy

Question 7

Psychological Needs

Answer 7

IM -> Psychological Need Satisfaction -> autonomy, competence, relatedness -> support

Question 8

Does reinforcement always undermine IM? no

Answer 8

reinforcement = informative
 - competence increases
 - autonomy increases
 - tied to a specific behaviour
reinforcement = controlling
 - competence neutral
 - reduces autonomy

Question 9

Cognitive Evaluation Theory

Answer 9

• Effect of reward is not in the reward per se, but depends on whether it is perceived as informative or controlling

Question 10

Self-determination theory

Answer 10

• A-motivation = no regulation
• EM = external regulation, introjected regulation, integrated regulation
• IM = intrinsic regulation

Question 11

Autonomy-supportive feedback in sport (Carpentier & Mageau, 2013)

Answer 11

• Empathic, offers choice for solutions, based on clear + reachable goals, directed at behaviour not person, includes suggestions, friendly tone
• Increase in competence, autonomy, relatedness, self-esteem, wellbeing and performance
• Reduces negative affect, a-motivation
• Fostering of basic psychological needs
• Looking at coaching styles from 340 athletes + 58 coaches