Theories Of Learning

Question 1

What are the key points of operant conditioning?

Answer 1

• SR bond
• Positive reinforcement
• Negative reinforcement
• Punishment

Uses either positive or negative reinforcement or punishment to encourage the correct response to a stimulus.

Question 2

What is positive reinforcement?

Answer 2

Providing a pleasant stimulus after the correct response is given, and doing nothing when the incorrect response is given.

Strengthens the SR bond

Question 3

What is negative reinforcement?

Answer 3

Providing a negative stimulus when the incorrect response is given, but removing this when the correct response is given.

Strengthens SR bond

Question 4

What is punishment?

Answer 4

Punishment is used following an unsuccessful performance and involves adding a negative stimulus or removing a positive stimulus.

Weakens the SR bond

Question 5

What are the pros and cons of operant conditioning?

Answer 5

Pros
• Provides clear feedback for learning
• Easy to implement across different settings

Cons
• Can be demotivating being punished repeatedly
• May not lead to long-lasting change
• Ignored internal mental processes affecting behaviour

Question 6

What are other names for operant conditioning?

Answer 6

Behaviourist
Skinner

Question 7

What are the characteristics of operant conditioning?

Answer 7

Trial/Error
Manipulate environment
Shapes behaviour

Question 8

What are the key points of Bandura’s observational learning?

Answer 8

• Attention
• Retention
• Motor production
• Motivation
• Significant other
• Vicarious experience

Question 9

What is attention in observational learning?

Answer 9

Attention: the learner must closely attend to the skill being performed accurately. This is more effective if the learner has much in common with the performer of the skill.

Question 10

What is retention in observational learning?

Answer 10

Retention: storing the skill in the memory enables recall

Question 11

What is motor reproduction in observational learning?

Answer 11

Motor reproduction: the learner needs to have the physical skills to be able to complete the skill.

Question 12

What is motivation in observational learning?

Answer 12

Motivation: the learner needs to be motivated to learn the skill and reproduce it themselves.

Question 13

Social development theory other names?

Answer 13

Vygotsky

Question 14

Social development theory key points?

Answer 14

• MKO
• Zone of proximal development
• Intra & Inter-psychological learning
• We adapt to display the same behaviour as group norms.
• Our behaviour is dependent on the behaviour of others
• Different groups will have a different group norm depending on the demands placed upon them

Question 15

Cognitive theory other names?

Answer 15

Insight
Gestaltists

Question 16

Cognitive theory key points

Answer 16

• Develops understanding of skill rather than how to react to stimulus

• Uses perception to aid understanding

• Skills should be understood in their entirety

• Insight theory

• Period of struggle and then rapid improvement after getting the knack

Question 17

What is insight theory?

Answer 17

Insight theory is a sudden understanding, or insight, of the skill leads to rapid improvement in performance.