paper 2 - theories of learning

Question 1

what is the key concept of Operant Conditioning?

Answer 1

• learning through reinforcement
• positive, negative, punishment

Question 2

what is positive reinforcement?

Answer 2

• the presentation of approval
• increases the probability of behaviour learning
• e.g. “well done” for doing well
• ste

Question 3

what is negative reinforcement?

Answer 3

• the withdrawal of an unwanted stimulus
• increases the probability of behaviour reoccurring
• teacher who is shouting “bad pass” stops

Question 4

what is punishment?

Answer 4

• giving an unpleasant stimulus to the performer to prevent a response from occurring
• e.g being sent off in a match

Question 5

how might a coach use operant conditioning in sports training?

Answer 5

• use praise and rewards to reinforce correct technique and punish or discourage incorrect movements

Question 6

why is motivation important in observational learning?

Answer 6

• determines whether the learner will replicate the observed behaviour
• if the behaviour leads to positive rewards, the learner is more likely to replicate it

Question 7

who was the observational learning theory developed by?

Answer 7

Albert Bandura in the in 1960’s

Question 8

what was the experiment that was used for the observational learning theory, and what did it mean?

Answer 8

• bobo doll experiment
  -‘children learn aggressive behaviours by observing adults behave aggressively
• direct reinforcement wasn’t the only way people learned

Question 9

what are the 3 key features of observational learning?

Answer 9

1. vicarious reinforcement
2. behaviour modelling
3. self efficacy

Question 10

what is vicarious reinforcement?

Answer 10

• “individuals can learn about the consequences of actions by observing others”
• e.g. if the observed model is rewarded for behaviour, the observer is more likely to imitate that behaviour

Question 11

what is behaviour modeling?

Answer 11

• central to observational learning
• can include
  + live models (real people)
  + symbolic models (characters in
  books, films, or social media)
• verbal instructions

Question 12

what is self efficacy?

Answer 12

-“the belief in ones ability to perform a task successfully”
- seeing others succeed can boost others confidence in their own abilities

Question 13

what are the 2 strengths of observational learning?

Answer 13

1. efficiency
   - quicker and less costly
   - e.g. in a work environment, a worker can learn by observing their colleagues
2. promotes social bonding
   - interaction -> relationships and social cohesion
   - beneficial in team settings
   - collaboration and communication are essential

Question 14

what are 2 limitations of observational learning?

Answer 14

1. model dependent
   - quality of learning depends on the model and their behaviour
2. context specific learning
   - behaviours may not transfer well to context (e.g. a student might perfectly replicate a science experiment in class, but struggle to adapt the same procedures in a different setting)

Question 15

what is the main principle of cognitive learning theory?

Answer 15

• focuses on how international processes such as thinking, memory, and problem solving influence learning
• emphasizes understanding and applying knowledge, rather than just responding to stimuli

Question 16

how does learning occur according to cognitive learning theory?

Answer 16

• through processing of information
• learner takes in, organises, stores, and retrieves information, building on previous knowledge to make sense of new concepts or skills

Question 17

what is the role of the ‘memory process’ in cognitive learning theory?

Answer 17

• critical role
• learners must retain information, store in long-term memory, and retrieve it when needed to solve problems or perform tasks
• involves the transfer of knowledge from short to long-term memory

Question 18

why is feedback important in cognitive learning theory?

Answer 18

• crucial for learners to evaluate their performance, adjust their strategies, and correct errors
• reflect on their learning process and reinforces

Question 19

how can cognitive learning theory be applied in sports training?

Answer 19

• in basketball, a player might analyse the opposing team’s defensive setup, recognize patterns, and use this insight to make better decisions on where to pass or move.
• this involves understanding and applying knowledge, rather than just reacting

Question 20

what does the phrase w-i-p-p-i stand for when talking about the cognitive theory of learning?

Answer 20

• w = whole learning (best learnt as a whole)
• i = intervening variables (use of mental rehearsal)
• p = perception (interception of information/e.g. interpret timing)
• p = past experiences (formulate new ideas)
• i = insight (use intuition)

Question 21

who is cognitive learning most effective and least effective for?

Answer 21

• most = autonomous learners
• least = cognitive performers

Question 22

who created the theory of operant conditioning?

Answer 22

• Skinner

Question 23

how might a coach use operant conditioning in sports training?

Answer 23

• they might praise or reward a athlete to reinforce correct technique and punish or discourage incorrect movements
• shaping the athletes behaviour