Theories Of Learning

Question 1

What is operant conditioning?

Answer 1

Focusing on conditioning behaviour towards a stimulus using trial and error and reinforcement

Question 2

What are the 2 key aspects of operant conditioning?

Answer 2

1) Reinforcement

2) Thorndike’s laws

Question 3

What is reinforcement?

Answer 3

Used to strengthen a S-R bond and therefore increase the likelihood that the behaviour will occur again

Question 4

Definition of Thorndike’s laws

Answer 4

These laws were developed to help strengthen the S-R bond when using operant conditioning as a learning method

Question 5

What are the 3 types of reinforcement?

Answer 5

1) Positive reinforcement

2) Negative reinforcement

3) Punishment

Question 6

What is positive reinforcement?

Answer 6

When a stimulus is given after the correct response. Usually in the form of praise or a reward

Question 7

What is negative reinforcement?

Answer 7

When an unpleasant stimulus is withdrawn after the correct response. For example, the coach stops shouting at the performer

Question 8

What is punishment?

Answer 8

When a stimulus is given to prevent a response occurring such as a forfeit

Question 9

What are Thorndike’s 3 laws?

Answer 9

1) Law of exercise

2) Law of effect

3) Law of readiness

Question 10

What is the law of exercise? Give an example

Answer 10

Skills improve through training so you train with more focus

E.g. = If the player practices for 20 minutes daily, they are more likely to improve and strengthen the S-R bond

Question 11

What is the law of effect? Give an example

Answer 11

Positive outcome or satisfaction from practice makes you continue

E.g. = If the player practices for 20 minutes daily then they are more likely to improve and strengthen the S-R bond

Question 12

What is law of readiness? Give an example

Answer 12

You need to be physically and mentally strong enough to do the skill you are practicing or learning

E.g. = They must be strong enough to throw a basketball far enough for a free throw shot and want to improve this

Question 13

What is the cognitive theory of learning?

Answer 13

The through that encourages thinking and problem solving to gain understanding and ability rather than trial and error in a fixed environment

Question 14

What are the 2 key concepts involved in the cognitive theory of learning?

Answer 14

1) Insight learning

2) Intervening variables

Question 15

What is insight learning? Give an example

Answer 15

Using problem solving and using memory of effective experiences to solve a new challenge

E.g. = A coach explains why a badminton player should return a serve using an overhead clear. The performer develops an insight or understanding

Question 16

What are intervening variables? Give an example

Answer 16

The mental processes involved in decision making

E.g. = A coach could encourage the badminton player to think about the height of the serve and where the player is stood before deciding where to place the clear

Question 17

Advantages of the cognitive theory of learning (3)

Answer 17

• Performer can become more independent and self correct during a game
• They can adapt better to different situations
• They could make quick progress and develop kinesthesis

Question 18

Disadvantages of the cognitive theory of learning (3)

Answer 18

• Using whole practice might be a problem if the skill is too difficult or dangerous if the performer is a beginner
• Learning could be slower if the performer doesn’t understand what to do and therefore might lose motivation
• They might not have any past experiences to draw on

Question 19

What is the social learning theory?

Answer 19

Psychologist Bandura constructed 4 processes that underpin successful modelling for more effective use of this theory

It is based on watching and copying behaviour and social interactions from significant others

Question 20

What are Bandura’s 4 processes?

Answer 20

1) Attention

2) Retention

3) Motor Reprodcution

4) Motivation

Question 21

What is attention?

Answer 21

The performer must be paying attention to the demonstration

Question 22

What is retention?

Answer 22

The performer must be able to remember the demonstration

Question 23

What is motor reproduction?

Answer 23

The performer must be physically and mentally able to carry out the skill being demonstrated

Question 24

What is motivation?

Answer 24

The performer needs to want to carry out the skill

Question 25

What are significant others in the social learning theory?

Answer 25

Role models

They are important to us and therefore we are more likely to pay attention to them and copy their behaviour

For the theory to be effective the modelling is important