PAPER 2 - Learning Theories Flashcards
what are the theories of learning?
- operant conditioning
- cognitive theory
- observational/social learning theory
operant conditioning is a method of learning by ___
association
what is operant conditioning?
learning by association and connecting a stimulus to a response to create an SR bond
involves:
- shaping/conditioning behaviour towards a stimulus
- using trial and error
- reinforcement and punishment
what are the two key elements of operant conditioning?
- reinforcement
- thorndikes laws
what is reinforcement?
a process that increases the probability of behaviour occurring - used to strengthen the correct SR bond
what are the two types of reinforcement?
positive and negative
what are Thorndike’s three laws?
- law of exercise
- law of effect
- law of readiness
what is positive reinforcement and give an example?
when a stimulus is given after a correct response to strengthen the SR bond
eg: giving praise or a reward
what is negative reinforcement and give an example?
when an unpleasant stimulus is given and then withdrawn when the correct response is done - strengthens the SR bond
eg: a coach shouting at a performer for bad passing but taking it away after they are successful
what is punishment and give an example
this is when a stimulus is given to prevent a response occurring - weakens the SR bond
eg: a yellow or red card in football
when should reinforcement and punishment occur?
as soon as possible after the behaviour occurs so they can make the improvement straight away
what is the difference between negative reinforcement and punishment?
negative reinforcement strengthens the SR bond but punishment weakens it
what are the four stages of operant conditioning (use smash in badminton as an example)?
- conditioning the situation using the stimuli in order to bring about the desired response. eg: manipulating the environment by adding hoops on the opposite side of the court to allow the performer to aim into it
- this allows for behaviour shaping and the nature of the serve will induce the smash shot and even when the correct technique is used it may not result in a successful smash
- this theory uses trial and error to allow the performer to develop their technique. eg: if a performer does a smash when the serve is low, it hits the net so the performer understands the requirements
- use of reinforcement either positive of negative to strengthen the SR bond and punishment to weaken the SR bond
when should reinforcement/punishment be used in operant conditioning?
as soon as possible after the behaviour (correct or incorrect) for it to be effectively improved
can reinforcement in operant conditioning ever be too much?
yes can be damaging and the performer may become too reliant on it and will lose its value