4.4 Learning Theories Flashcards
What is the definition of associationist?
A group of theories related to stimulus and response. These theories are often referred to as S-R theories. An individual is conditioned by stimuli, which are connected or bonded to appropriate responses.
What is the definition of reinforcement?
The process that increases the probability of a behaviour occurring. Reinforcement strengthens to the S-R bond.
Reinforcement can be positive or negative.
What is the definition of positive reinforcement?
The stimulus is given when then desired response occurs.
What is the definition of negative reinforcement?
The stimulus is withdrawn when the desired response occurs.
What is the definition of punishment?
Giving a stimulus to prevent a response occurring.
Not to be confused with negative reinforcement.
What is operant conditioning an example of?
An associationist or connectionist view of learning.
What did Skinner do in 1964 to prove operant conditioning?
Work undertaken by Skinner in 1964 revealed that conditioning was more effective through manipulation of behaviour towards a stimulus rather than through manipulation of the stimulus.
Skinner used a box with a rate inside it. If the rat hit a lever inside the box, a food pellet would be released. Through trial and error, the rat eventually learned that hitting the lever would produce food. This became known as operant conditioning, or trial-and-error learning. Hitting the lever gave food and therefore a reward, which reinforces the hitting action.
What year did Skinner prove the basics of operant conditioning ?
1964
What is operant conditioning ?
It is concerned with actions being ‘shaped’ and then reinforced.
What needs to be present for operant conditioning to work?
Reinforcement.
What is complete reinforcement?
Learning is faster if a reward is given on every occasion.
What is partial reinforcement ?
Research shows that if a reward is given after a number of correct responses, learning takes longer but lasts longer.
What are Thorndike’s 3 laws?
- Law of exercise
- Law of effect
- Law of readiness
What is the law of exercise?
Repeating or rehearsing the S-R connection is more likely to strengthen them. If the desired response occurs, reinforcement is necessary.
What is a practical example of applying the law of exercise?
If a gymnast practises a floor routine repeatedly, the stimulus-response bonds are repeated or ‘exercised’. The more time a skill is practised, the more likely a response will be bonded to a particular stimulus.
What is the law of effect?
If the response is followed by a ‘satisfier’, then the S-R bond is strengthened.
If the response is followed by an ‘annoyer’, then the S-R bond is weakened.
This means that pleasant outcomes are likely to motivate the performer to repeat the action.
What is a practical example of applying the law of effect?
If a beginner rugby player is attempting a spin pass and is successful, then the effect is deemed to be successful and it is more likely that the player will perform the skill successfully again. If the player is unsuccessful and the effect is failure, then the effect is one that subsequently avoided.
What is the law of readiness?
The performer must be physically and mentally able to complete the task effectively.
What is a practical example of applying the law of readiness?
A hockey player who has been drilled to perform a particular penalty flick may become predictable and renovated by inhibition.
Practice should be stopped for a while - perhaps new strategies should be discussed and practised later.
New targets should be set and the practice resumed.
What is Hull’s drive theory?
He stated that if the S-R bind is to be strong, a performer must be motivated to do well. He warned against too much repetition of practice because he thought that it could lead to ‘inhibition’, which could demotivate the performer and weaken the S-R bind.
The inhibition can be overcome after a rest interval or when new and more motivating goals are determined.
What is the definition is intervening variables?
Mental processes occurring between the stimulus being recovered and the response.
For example, taking into account the independent variable of the opponent’s movement during a competitive badminton game.
What is the definition is insight learning?
Problem-solving involving memory.
Previous experiences are used to help solve new problems.
What are the definitions of gestaltists?
A group of German scientists (including Wertheimer, Kohler and Koffka) who established many principles of laws of perception. They extended these laws to provide accounts of learning and problem-solving.
What is insight learning?
Cognitive theories are concerned with thinking and understanding rather than connecting certain stimuli to certain responses. Trial and error has no place in cognitive theory.
