Theories Of Learning Flashcards
What is operant conditioning?
Focusing on conditioning behaviour towards a stimulus using trial and error and reinforcement
What are the 2 key aspects of operant conditioning?
1) Reinforcement
2) Thorndike’s laws
What is reinforcement?
Used to strengthen a S-R bond and therefore increase the likelihood that the behaviour will occur again
Definition of Thorndike’s laws
These laws were developed to help strengthen the S-R bond when using operant conditioning as a learning method
What are the 3 types of reinforcement?
1) Positive reinforcement
2) Negative reinforcement
3) Punishment
What is positive reinforcement?
When a stimulus is given after the correct response. Usually in the form of praise or a reward
What is negative reinforcement?
When an unpleasant stimulus is withdrawn after the correct response. For example, the coach stops shouting at the performer
What is punishment?
When a stimulus is given to prevent a response occurring such as a forfeit
What are Thorndike’s 3 laws?
1) Law of exercise
2) Law of effect
3) Law of readiness
What is the law of exercise? Give an example
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
What is the law of effect? Give an example
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
What is law of readiness? Give an example
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
What is the cognitive theory of learning?
The through that encourages thinking and problem solving to gain understanding and ability rather than trial and error in a fixed environment
What are the 2 key concepts involved in the cognitive theory of learning?
1) Insight learning
2) Intervening variables
What is insight learning? Give an example
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
What are intervening variables? Give an example
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
Advantages of the cognitive theory of learning (3)
- 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
Disadvantages of the cognitive theory of learning (3)
- 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
What is the social learning theory?
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
What are Bandura’s 4 processes?
1) Attention
2) Retention
3) Motor Reprodcution
4) Motivation
What is attention?
The performer must be paying attention to the demonstration
What is retention?
The performer must be able to remember the demonstration
What is motor reproduction?
The performer must be physically and mentally able to carry out the skill being demonstrated
What is motivation?
The performer needs to want to carry out the skill
What are significant others in the social learning theory?
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
