Skill Acquisition - Theories of Learning

Question 1

Name the theories of learning

Answer 1

Social learning theory (Bandura)
Operant conditioning (Skinner)
Cognitive theory

Question 2

Describe Bandura’s Social Learning Theory

Answer 2

• We learn through watching and copying others.
• Our behaviour is determined by our environment.
• Those who are of high status or significance to us are much more likely to be copied.

4 stages to the process of observational learning:
- Attention
- Retention
- Motor reproduction
- Motivation

Question 3

Describe the operant conditioning theory of learning

Answer 3

An individuals behaviour is a conditioned response to a stimuli that is connected/bonded through reinforcement via trial and error practice.

Question 4

What is positive reinforcement
Give an example

Answer 4

• Rewards/praise given when a desired response occurs
• A coach tells a player ‘well done’ when they perform a lay up correctly

Question 5

What is negative reinforcement
Give an example

Answer 5

A stimulus is withdrawn when a desired response occurs
A netball coach will stop making them do press-ups if they score a goal

Question 6

What is punishment?
Give an example

Answer 6

A stimulus is given to prevent a response from occurring
A football coach will make a team run sprints if they lose possession of the ball

Question 7

Describe Thorndikes law of exercise

Answer 7

Repeating/rehearsing a skill will strengthen the S-R bond. Desired responses must be followed by reinforcement so we don’t learn the move incorrectly

Question 8

Describe Thorndikes law of readiness

Answer 8

A performer must be physically and mentally able to complete the task effectively

Question 9

Describe Thorndikes law of effect

Answer 9

If the response is followed by a ‘satisfier’ then the S-R bond is strengthened. If its followed by an ‘annoyer’ the S-R bond is weakened. Pleasant outcomes are likely to motivate a performer to repeat the outcome

Question 10

Describe the cognitive theory of learning

Answer 10

Behaviour is a result of thinking and understanding information. Its often called insight learning, as it involves problem solving and memory, using previous experiences to help solve new problems

Question 11

Give an example of how a coach could use the social learning theory to help his performers learn new skills

Answer 11

• A coach would want to demonstrate a new skill - observation
• More likely to remember if performer is of high status or role model.
• They could show a famous athlete doing the skill
• When the performer performs the skill correctly this needs to be followed with appraisal so that they want to repeat it again

Question 12

Give an example of how a coach could use the operant conditioning to help his performers learn new skills

Answer 12

• Get the performer to try and improve the skill through trial and error.
• If they perform the skill wrong the coach would use negative feedback by making them do something every time there are wrong and then on the correct execution of the skill they remove the negative stimulus
• If they perform the skill correctly they would use positive reinforcement to strengthen the S-R bond.

Question 13

Give an example of how a coach could use the cognitive theory to help his performers learn new skill

Answer 13

• A coach would spend time discussing the performance of the skill so the performer understands the skill.
• Analyse the performance so the performer can understand the areas they need to improve
• The coach should remind them of previous attempts so that they can get the motor programmes stored in the memory.