Theories of learning

Question 1

What is operant conditioning?

Answer 1

1. Manipulate environment
2. Shape behaviour
3. Trial and error
4. Reinforcement to strengthen S-R bond

E.g. during football shooting practise, the coach may direct the players to:

• Strike the ball into the right of the goal, keep trying
• If this is done they are rewarded
• Area is then reduced to the top half of the right side, process continues.

Question 2

What are Thorndike’s laws?

Answer 2

1. Law of exercise, rehearsing or repeating actions strengthens reinforcement
   E.g. repeated dribbling practise strengthens S-R bond
2. Law of effect, if followed by a pleasant reaction, S-R bond is strengthened, if reaction is negative then S-R bond is weakened
   E.g. positive comments about dribbling technique strengthen S-R bond, negative comments weaken S-R bond
3. Law of readiness, the athlete must be both mentally and physically capable of performing a skill efficiently
   E.g. if a performer is injured they may not be able to dribble effectively

Question 3

What is the cognitive theory of learning?

Answer 3

1. Learning is best achieved by premising the whole skill
2. Learner must understand and think about the problem as a whole
3. Thought process is dependent of perception
4. Learner will use intelligence, current knowledge and previous experience to plan or predict a solution

E.g. a cricketer learns to swing the ball when bowling by understanding the basic mechanics of movement.

Question 4

What is observational theory of learning?

Answer 4

1. Behaviour will be copied if the role model is a significant other and of high status
2. Role models are copied if they are the same gender as learner
3. It is a form of visual guidance
4. A demonstration is presented for the learner to copy
5. Process involves attention, retention, motor reproduction and motivation

E.g. a young rugby player many copy behaviour of a pro player they see on TV. Could be positive sportsmanship of negative aggressive behaviour.

Question 5

What are the theories of learning?

Answer 5

1. Operant conditioning
2. Thorndike’s laws
3. Cognitive theory of learning
4. Observational theory of learning.