Theories Of Learning

Question 0

What is socialisation?

Answer 0

The process by which we adopt the norms and culture of our environment.

Question 1

What are the three main theories of learning?

Answer 1

Social learning theory (observational learning)

Connectionist / Behaviourism (S-R bonds)

Cognitive theories (Insight / Gestalt)

Operant Conditioning (manipulating the S-R bond through changing the environment)

Question 2

Can you identify at least 3 basic characteristics of social learning theory?

Answer 2

• We learn from of our environment
• Role models influence our behaviour
• Social reinforcement increases the likelihood of behaviour
• significant others such as parents, peers will influence our behaviour

Question 3

What are the key features of Observational Learning (Bandura)?

Answer 3

Demonstration

Attention
Retention
Motor Reproduction
Motivation

Matching performance

Question 4

What factors affect ATTENTION in Observational Learning?

Answer 4

• attractiveness of the model
• age of the model
• perceived importance of the behaviour
• how much the performer wants to produce the modelled behaviour
• clarity of the demonstration
• situational factors like distraction, ability to observe properly etc

Question 5

What factors affect RETENTION in Observational Learning?

Answer 5

• repetition of demonstration
• reduction of information so that it is simple and easier to remember (eg. key points of technique)
• emphasis of the important behaviours
• opportunity to think about or discuss the behaviour
• emotion associated with the demonstration
• quality of the demonstration

Question 6

What does MOTOR REPRODUCTION refer to in Observational Learning?

Can you use a practical example to explain?

Answer 6

The extent to which the performer is physically able to copy and reproduce the behaviour.

eg. It is unlikely that a 2 year old will be able to copy an effective set shot in basketball as their arms not strong enough to shoot the ball with control

Question 7

Wha factors might affect MOTIVATION in Observational Learning ?

Answer 7

• rewards/incentives associated with reproducing the behaviour (intrinsic and extrinsic)
• reinforcement of the behaviours
• the perceived benefits to the performer if they can reproduce the behaviour
• whether or not the behaviour modelled is desirable to the performer

Question 8

What is an S-R bond?

Answer 8

The association/link between a stimulus and a response.

Question 9

How can an S-R bond be strengthened? Give a practical example associated with a balanced, active and healthy lifestyle.

Answer 9

By POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT (praise or bringing something that is good to the person - success, congratulations, prizes etc). These are known as a SATISFIERS.

eg. Seeing the weight reduce at the ‘weigh in’ after exercise and receive praise from peers and family.

By NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT (also a SATISFIER) - this is where a negative thing is taken away.

Eg. Removing some diet restrictions once a certain target weight goal has been reached.

Question 10

How can an S-R bond be weakened? Give a practical example associated with a balanced, active and healthy lifestyle.

Answer 10

Through PUNISHMENT. Bringing an ANNOYER to the performer.

eg. Being dropped (punishment) from the squad when the performer misses training (behaviour).

Question 11

Which factors regarding the reward or punishment can influence the extent to which the S-R bond in strengthened or weakened

Answer 11

IMMEDIACY - the sooner after the behaviour occurs the more effective the reinforcement is.

MAGNITUDE - the more ‘powerful’ the reinforcement or punishment the better

Question 12

What is behaviour ‘shaping’?

Answer 12

Increasing the frequency of reinforcement as the behaviour becomes closer to the desired response.

eg. As the tennis player start to hit the serve well, the coach includes more praise ever more frequently until the serve is excellent

Question 13

What is operant conditioning?

Answer 13

Modifying the environment in order to produce a desired response.

Eg. Placing targets on a badminton court to improve accuracy of serve.

Then adding a stimulus (SATISFIER or ANNOYER) to the situation to condition the behaviour.

Then removing the target

Question 14

Thorndike proposed some laws which govern the effectiveness and speed of S-R bonds being created - what are they?

Answer 14

1. The law of exercise (the more frequent the S-R bond is used the more fixed the connection will be)
2. The law of effect (the intensity of the reinforcement or punishment makes a difference.)
3. The law of readiness (the performer has to be physically able enough to make the connection)

Question 15

Give a practical example of Thorndike LAW OF EXERCISE linked to BAHL

Answer 15

The more frequently a young person is praise for behaviour that is creating a positive lifestyle the more likely they are to repeat the behaviour.

Question 16

Give a practical example of Thorndike LAW OF EFFECT linked to BAHL

Answer 16

If the young person’s attendance at fitness training was celebrated across the club and a financial reward given they are more likely to repeat that behaviour

Question 17

Give a practical example of Thorndike LAW OF READINESS linked to BAHL

Answer 17

Reinforcing the S-R bond that might exist between an 80 year old and competitive rugby as a useful BAHL activity would be pointless.

The law states that the performer must be physically capable of producing the desired behaviour

Question 18

What does Cognitive theory suggest?

Answer 18

That learning is more complex than simple S-R bonds.

The performer requires ‘insight’ in order to solve a problem and evaluates ‘intervening variables’ (things that fact the skill production) before producing a response

Question 19

Gestalt is a term used to describe a ‘cognitive’ approach to learning - what does it mean?

Answer 19

Gestalt comes from the German term meaning ‘in its entirety’ ie. the whole thing

Gestaltists suggest that when solving problems we look at the whole thing using experience and insight to produce an effective response