Lesson 6: Learning Theories

Question 1

What is insight learning?

Answer 1

• A type of learning or problem solving that happens all of a sudden through understanding the relationships of various parts of a problem rather than through trial and error.

Question 2

What is an epiphany?

Answer 2

• Epiphanies involve a sudden revelation or abrupt awareness bringing seeemingly chaotic data into symmetry.

Question 3

What are the 4 stages of insight learning?

Answer 3

1 - Preparation: can’t solve the problem initially, data gathering
2 - Incubation: problem put on hold, problem work on unconsciously
3 - Insight: suddenly there is a mental representation of solution
4 - Verification: solution checked

Question 4

What are the advantages to insight learning?

Answer 4

• Learn new skills through experiencing the whole task
• Kinaesthesis and flow of task is maintained
• Greater understandin of the skill as the athlete has to use their own cognitive processes to solve the problem
• They use their insight and adapt to sporting situations
• Allows athlete to be creative and develop their own strategies and tactics.

Question 5

What is operant conditioning?

Answer 5

• Based on the work of pyschologist Skinner (1948) who observed rats in a cage called the skinner box.
• The rats hit a mechanism by accident that delivered food and quickly learned to hit the mechanism to gain a reward
• This is also known as trial and error learning, it shapes behaviour and the environment is manipulated to promote a certain behaviour. behaviour is shaped by reinforcement.
• Through operant conditioning behaviour which is reinforced will likely be repeated and behaviour whcih is punished will occur less frequently. This is known as the stimulus response (S-R) bond

Question 6

Name the 3 important features of operant conditioning.

Answer 6

1 - Trial and error learning
2 - Coach might manipulate the environment
3 - Behaviour is shaped by reinforcement

Question 7

What is positive reinforcement?

Answer 7

Pleasant stimulus ater the correct response

Question 8

What is negative reinforcement?

Answer 8

Taking away an unpleasant stimulus after the correct response

Question 9

What is punishment?

Answer 9

An unpleasant stimulus to prevent incorrect actions recurring

Question 10

What is the social learning theory?

Answer 10

• SLT suggests that all of out behaviour is learnt in some way
• Bandura suggested that learning takes palce by watching the behaviour of others and trying to copy it.
• Bandura identified that for learning to take place the model coppied must be correct.
• An individual whose behaviour is being observed is called a model.

Question 11

What does Bandura’s observational theory suggest?

Answer 11

• This theory suggests that both acceptable and unaccaptable behaviour can be learned by watching and then copying other people.
• Young footballers may often be seen copyinf goal celebrations of their professional counterparts

Question 12

What does is the observational learning model?

Answer 12

• Bandura suggested that a performer is likely to copy a model demonstration if the coach uses 4 processes.
  1 - Attention: learner needs to focus dierectly on the model or parts demonstrated.
  2 - Retention: learner must be able to store an image of the demo for success in copying
  3 - Motor reproduction: learner must have the physical cability to replicate the skilll being demonstrated.
  4 - Motivation: learner needs to have the drive to match performance of the skill being modelled

Question 13

What is Vygotsky’s social developement theory constructivism about?

Answer 13

• Vygotsky suggests that social interaction plays a key role in an individuals development.
• You build on what you already know, and you can learn from others who are more experienced and skilled. (more knowledgable others - MKO)

Question 14

What is the role of social interaction?

Answer 14

• Inter-psychological learning – happens before development, performer learns from people they interact with.
• Intra-psychological learning – Learning takes place within the learner. The performer thinks about what they can do on their own and what they have learnt from others.
• More knowledgeable other (MKO) – a person who has a greater understanding of the skill/task than you do and can offer technical advice and feedback.
• Zone of proximal developement - has 3 stages:
  …1 - What can I do on my own?
  …2 - What can I do with the help of an MKO?
  …3 - What can i not do yet?