Theories and stages of learning skills

Question 1

What are the 3 theories of learning?

Answer 1

operant conditioning, cognitive theory of learning and Bandura’s theory of social learning

Question 2

Explain operant conditioning?

Answer 2

creating a link between a stimulus and a response. Trial and error learning finds most effective way to perform the skill, coach manipulates environment to increase success and when correct action is shown, coach offers positive reinforcement to strengthen SR bond

Question 3

What are the 3 laws affecting the formation of S-R bonds?

Answer 3

Law of exercise, law of effect and law of readiness

Question 4

How do each of thorndikes laws affect S-R bonds?

Answer 4

Law of exercise = repetition strengthens S-R bonds, if no practice occurs then bond is weakened
Law of readiness = athlete must be mentally and physically capable of performing skill for SR bond to be created
Law of effect = praise strengthens bond and criticism weakens bond

Question 5

What are the techniques used by coaches in order to get the required skill?

Answer 5

positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and punishment

Question 6

What is the cognitive theory of learning?

Answer 6

learning through using memories and previous knowledge to help with the task in hand (insight learning), it suggests the whole is greater than the sum of its parts so performer should learn by experiencing whole skill as opposed to parts so that they can use their perception to overcome intervening variables

Question 7

What is Bandura’s theory of social learning?

Answer 7

learning happens by watching and copying others

Question 8

What occurs in the retention stage?

Answer 8

the athlete stores the skill in their long term memory and is able to recall it. Use of mental imagery/rehearsal

Question 9

What are the 3 stages of learning a skill?

Answer 9

cognitive, associative and autonomous

Question 10

Describe characteristics of a learner in the cognitive stage?

Answer 10

loads of mistakes, social inhibition, relies on guidance, inconsistent, trial and error learning used, all learner’s attention is on the production of the skill

Question 11

Describe characteristics of a learner in the autonomous stage?

Answer 11

little/no conscious thought, no mistakes, able to adapt to suit the situation, movements are fluent and efficient, motor programmes are fully formed

Question 12

Describe the associative stage of learning?

Answer 12

practice to stay here or progress to autonomous, some never progress past this stage, fewer mistakes made, smoother movements occur, begin to focus on finer aspects of skill, motor programmes are developing