Theories of Learning

Question 1

what is operant conditioning?

Answer 1

manipulating behaviour to shape the correct response through the use of reinforcement

Question 2

what are the characteristics of operant conditioning?
(5 points)

Answer 2

Trial & error
Strengthens the correct S-R bond/Shaping
Reinforcement
Punishment
Manipulating the environment

Question 3

what is trial and error?

Answer 3

the performer learning by experimentingwith different ways to perform the skill

Question 4

what is an example of using trial and error?

Answer 4

experimenting with difference ways to do a badminton smash

Question 5

what is shaping?

Answer 5

a coach praises the action if it was correct even if it wasn’t the correct outcome

Question 6

what is an example of shaping?

Answer 6

a coach praising the correct badminton smash even though it hits the net

Question 7

what is positive reinforcement?

Answer 7

a pleasant stimulus being given when the desired response is given

Question 8

what is an example of positive reinforcement?

Answer 8

the coach saying “well done, good shot on target”

Question 9

what is negative reinforcement?

Answer 9

an unpleasant stimulus being removed when the desired response occurs

Question 10

what is an example of negative reinforcement?

Answer 10

the coach stops shouting “in front of your player” when the netball player gets into the correct position

Question 11

what is punishment?

Answer 11

an unpleasant stimulus is used when the performer gives an undesired response

Question 12

what is an example of punishment?

Answer 12

the coach makes the player run a lap of the court every time they do footwork

Question 13

what is an example of manipulating the environment?

Answer 13

the coach drawing a circle on the floor where the smash should be aimed

Question 14

what are the advantages of using rewards?
(5 points)

Answer 14

strengthens the correct S-R bond
easy to give out
very effective for young people
speeds up the learning of a new skill
motivates people

Question 15

what are the disadvantages of using rewards?
(3 points)

Answer 15

reward is more important than the activity
may strengthen the incorrect S-R bond
rewards may be expected all the time

Question 16

what is Bandura’s theory of observational learning?

Answer 16

behaviour is formed by copying others

Question 17

what are the 4 stages of Bandura’s theory?

Answer 17

attention
retention
motor production
motivation

Question 18

what is the attention stage of Bandura’s theory?

Answer 18

paying attention and watching the demonstration whilst focusing on important cues

Question 19

how do you make sure that the attention stage of Bandura’s theory is effective?
(3 points)

Answer 19

correct demonstration
everyone is able to see the demonstration
clear instructions

Question 20

how do you improve the attention stage of Bandura’s theory?
(4 points)

Answer 20

how motivated the learner is
the status of the role model - celebrity
ensure the learner has a good attention span
rewards

Question 21

what is the retention stage of Bandura’s theory?

Answer 21

creating a mental image of the demonstration in order to remember it

Question 22

how do ensure that the retention stage is effective?
(5 points)

Answer 22

break down complex skills into sub-routines
limit the time between demonstration and practice
deliver in different formats - videos and pictures
repeat the demonstration
mentally rehearse the demonstration

Question 23

what is the motor production stage of Bandura’s theory?

Answer 23

ensuring that the learner is physically and mentally capable of performing the skill

Question 24

how do you ensure that the motor production stage of Bandura’s theory is effective?
(3 points)

Answer 24

consider the mental capacity of the learner
match the demonstration to the stage of learning
learner receiving feedback off their coach

Question 25

what is the motivation stage of Bandura’s theory?

Answer 25

the learner must have the desire to succeed

Question 26

how do you ensure that the motivation stage of Bandura’s theory is effective?
(2 points)

Answer 26

coach uses a reward/praise
extrinsic feedback and reinforcement increases motivation

Question 27

what factors affect successful modeling?
(6 points)

Answer 27

use a high status role model
use a role model of the same ability/age
models behavior is reinforced/praised
high standard, accurate demonstration
learner is focused on relevant cues
learner is motivated to learn the new skill

Question 28

what is Gestalt’s theory of learning?

Answer 28

cognitive

Question 29

what is whole practice?

Answer 29

practicing the skill in one go

Question 30

what is an example of whole practice?

Answer 30

the coach teaching an overhead badminton clear in one go

Question 31

what is insight?

Answer 31

a coach explaining the movement

Question 32

what is an example of insight?

Answer 32

a coach explaining why a player should return a serve using an overhead serve

Question 33

what are intervening variables?

Answer 33

the mental processes occurring between the stimulus and response

Question 34

what is an example of intervening variables?

Answer 34

a coach encouraging the badminton player to look at the position of the opponent before deciding where to place an overhead smash

Question 35

what is an example of problem solving?

Answer 35

a coach introducing a defender into a passing drill

Question 36

what is an example of previous experience being used?

Answer 36

badminton player recognises when to use an overhead smash based on a previous experience that they have had

Question 37

what are the advantages of Gestalt’s cognitive theory of learning?
(7 points)

Answer 37

performer develops a better understanding
performer is able to apply a skill more effectively
performer makes quick progress
helps the performer with problem solving in the future
enables the performer to adapt to different situations
performer is able to self correct
performer develops kinaesthesia

Question 38

what are the disadvantages of Gestalt’s cognitive theory of learning?
(8 points)

Answer 38

whole skill may be too difficult
ineffective for low organisation, complex, serial and dangerous skills
learning may be slower
learner may be physically unable to execute the skill
learning may be not as successful as watching role models
no reinforcement = not as well learned
nompast experience to draw on