Principles and theories of learning

Question 1

Name characteristics of a cognitive performer

Answer 1

• trial and error learning
• developing understanding of subroutines
• extrinsic feedback
• no motor programmes
• need instruction

Question 2

Name characteristics of an associative performer

Answer 2

• developing motor programme
• smoother movements + performance
• trial + error still occurs but feedback is more intrinsic
• more coordinated

Question 3

Name characteristics of a autonomous performer

Answer 3

• fully developed motor programme
• skill is performed easily
• high level of consistency
• quick decisions making
• good selective attention
• intrinsic feedback

Question 4

What is a learning plateau?

Answer 4

• occurs when the learner stops progressing and no improvement in skill is evident

Question 5

What does a S- shaped performance curve show?

Answer 5

• learning is slow to start
• learner gets to grip with skill
• rapid improvement as performer is motivated by success + practice
• improvement slows down as difficulties are encountered

Question 6

What does a linear learning performance curve like?

Answer 6

Improving at a steady rate
- directly proportional

Question 7

What does a positive performance curve show?

Answer 7

Progress is slow to start with but then rapidly improves

Question 8

What does a negative performance curve show?

Answer 8

Performance improves rapidly at the start
- early success
- improvement then slows + may stop

Question 9

Why do learning plateaus occur?

Answer 9

• tedium
• lack of motivation
• injury
• player reached limit
• coached reached limit

Question 10

How can learning plateaus be avoided?

Answer 10

• use mental rehearsal
• make practices more varied/ more interesting
• better quality coaching, using different teaching styles
• offer extrinsic support

Question 11

Who proposed Insight learning?

Answer 11

Gestalt

Question 12

What is cognitive theories?

Answer 12

Insight learning

Question 13

What is Behaviourism?

Answer 13

Operant conditioning - Skinner

Question 14

What is Social learning?

Answer 14

Observational learning (Bandura)

Question 15

What is Constructivism?

Answer 15

Social Development theory (Vgotsky)

Question 16

Who set out Operant conditioning?

Answer 16

Skinner

Question 17

Who set out Observational learning?

Answer 17

Bandura

Question 18

Who set out Social Development Theory?

Answer 18

Vgotsky

Question 19

What does Insight learning set out?

Answer 19

Learning the whole skill and not breaking it down
- no subroutines
-uses the performer’s past knowledge
- encourages cognitive thinking

Question 20

What are the positives of insight learning?

Answer 20

• time efficient
• develops own strategies for performers
• develops independent learners
• develops understanding of the whole problem

Question 21

What is Operant Conditioning?

Answer 21

Trial and error learning
- successful response linked with stimulus - response bond
- which can be strengthened with reinforcement
-> increases the likelihood of the desired response reoccuring

Question 22

What is positive reinforcement?

Answer 22

Pleasant stimulus given to increase likelihood of a correct response
- praise
- rewards
- success to encourage behaviour

Question 23

What is negative reinforcement?

Answer 23

Removal of unpleasant stimulus when the desired response occurs
- criticism stops when response occurs

Question 24

What is punishment?

Answer 24

Introduction of an unpleasant stimulus to break the S-R bond and reduce likelihood of actions being repeated
- sin bins
- fines
- dropped from team

Question 25

What is Observational Learning?

Answer 25

Suggests that acceptable + unacceptable behaviour can be learned by watching + copying others

Question 26

What are the 4 stages in observational learning?

Answer 26

ATTENTION
- watch demo (should be accurate + successful)
RETENTION
- chance to practice
- performer uses mental image to remember info
MOTOR PROGRAMME
- must be physically capable
- learner has physical + mental ability to complete the task
MOTIVATION
- drive to complete the task
- use of reinforcement
- performer wants to learn skill

Question 27

What makes an effective demonstration?

Answer 27

• Fun/ realistic
• minimal delay between demo + practice
• use of imagery
• accurate demo
• frequent practice

Question 28

What is Social Development Theory?

Answer 28

Performer ‘builds’ learning in stages
Stage 1 - what can I do alone
Stage 2 - What can I do with help
-> from a more knowledgeable other
Stage 3 - What can I not yet do

These 3 stages are known as the Zone of Proximal Learning