Learning Theories Flashcards
What is the relationship between learner and performance-fitts and posners three stages of learning
These are favourable events or outcomes that are presented after the behaviour. In positive reinforcement situations a response or behaviour is strengthened by the addition of praise or direct reward.
Practical example
If a coach says well done good technique then this will also be rewarding so will act as positive reinforcement
If a young tennis player tries to serve and they attempt a certain technique if they get success by the ball landing in the correct service box they will feel positive about being successful and this action will be repeated
Cognitive stage
This is the first learning stage where the performer tries to understand the skill using their senses. Full attention is needed, with closed, self-paced tasks and command teaching style. Mistakes are common, and feedback should be simple, clear, and given after the performance. Learners rely on demonstrations and key words to form a mental image.
Example: A beginner golfer may hit one great shot by chance but struggle to repeat it.
Associative stage
This is the trial-and-error stage where the performer refines their technique and starts forming motor programmes. They understand how actions link together, use feedback during the skill (concurrent), and improve through varied practice.
Key points:
-Movements become smoother and more consistent
-Use of intrinsic/kinaesthetic feedback develops
-Start comparing performance to mental image
-Skills are more open, with some external pacing
-Rapid improvement and fewer errors
Example: A netball player could shoot accurately even blindfolded, showing strong kinaesthetic
awareness.
Autonomous
This is the final stage where the skill becomes automatic and habitual. Performer shows high consistency, accuracy, and efficiency with little conscious thought.
Key points:
• Skill is smooth and stress-free
• Performer can self-correct using intrinsic feedback
• Focus shifts to tactics and fine details
• Skills are often open and externally paced
Example: A basketball player dribbles without looking at the ball, focusing on team play and strategy.
How do we actually learn skills?
SR bond-performer learns to link a particular response to a particular stimulus
-reinforcement-the manipulation of a stimulus to ensure that a response recurs
-For example, positive enforcement-giving praise when a swimmer wins a race
-Negative reinforcement-taking away the praise if the swimmer loses
-Punishment-telling the swimmer off for not trying very hard if he or she loses the race
Stimulus response bond
A performer learns to link a particular response to a particular stimulus
E.G the starter gun in swimming (stimulus) triggers the swimmers movement(response) from the blocks or pool
This can be continually strengthened when teaching swimming by applying for Dykes law of learning
What is thorndikes law of learning
- Law of Exercise – Repetition strengthens learning. The more a skill is practised, especially with reinforcement, the stronger the SR bond.
E.g. Repeatedly practising freestyle starts in swimming.- Law of Effect – Positive outcomes strengthen the bond; negative ones weaken it.
E.g. Swimmer feels proud after completing 25m – SR bond strengthens. Constant losing may weaken it. - Law of Readiness – The performer must be physically and mentally ready to learn.
E.g. A swimmer must be motivated and physically developed to learn butterfly.
- Law of Effect – Positive outcomes strengthen the bond; negative ones weaken it.
These laws help explain how skills are learned and retained more effectively.
What is operant conditioning
It was a development of thorndikes earlier research (laws of learning). It is often described as trial and error learning and that uses rewards and punishments to modify behaviour. It is shaping behaviour by reinforcement . The learner learns to associate certain consequences with a given behaviour, which can alter the sr bond. A type of learning in which behaviour is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher
Which one of thorndikes 3 laws of learning does operant conditioning link to
Law of effect
What is reinforcement
This is the manipulation of a stimulus to ensure a response recurs. It’s any event that strengthens or increases the behaviour it follows. There are 2 kinds of reinforcers. In both of these cases of reinforcement the behaviour increases.
What are the 2 types of reinforcement- positive reinforcement
These are favourable events or outcomes that are presented after the behavior. In positive reinforcement situations a response or behavior is strengthened by the addition of praise or a direct reward.
Practical examples
If a coach says well done good technique then this will also be rewarding so will act as positive reinforcement
If a young tennis player tries to serve and they attempt a certain technique if they get success by the ball landing in the correct service box they will feel positive about being successful and this action will be repeated
What are the 2 types of reinforcement- negative reinforcement
This involves the removal of an unfavourable event or outcomes after the display of a behaviour. In these situaitons a response is strengthened by the removal of something considered unpleasant.
Practical examples-
At the end of every training session you have to do killer runs. The coach tells you that if you train hard motivation/determination then you dint have to do the runs
Reinforcement in operant conditioning- punishment
When a punishment is given it will cause some distress or discomfort to the individual and this will weaken the sr bond. The intention id to make the athlete stop displaying the behaviors that the coach doesn’t want them to display.
Practical examples
- shouting at a player sitting out of the session for 5 minutes
-substituting a player during a game
-making them do something physical e.g. five press ups
Why use reinforcement than punishment
Reinforcement gives satisfaction to the learners which therefore increases there motivation leading to a repeat of correct performance. Punishment is seen as an unpleasant experience and can lead to a dislike of a coach. Reinforcement strengthens the sr bond but punishments weaken it.
How would you use operant conditioning methods in coaching
Shaping / altering environment to progress towards success e.g. use of rewards
How do we learn behaviour-associative theories
Theory 1: Observational Learning (Bandura)
We learn by watching and copying skilled performers. More likely to imitate if the model is high-status, successful, and if the demonstration is clear.
E.g. A player copies their coach’s shooting technique.
Theory 2: Conditioning Theories
Learning through stimulus-response (SR) bonds. A correct action is reinforced, making it more likely to be repeated.
E.g. A netball player keeps passing correctly after getting praise.
Theory 3: Classical Conditioning
Learning by associating a stimulus with an automatic response.
• Unconditioned stimulus: bowler near end of run-up
• Unconditioned response: batter lifts bat
• Conditioned stimulus: coach tells batter to watch bowler’s position
• Conditioned response: batter lifts bat based on visual cue
These theories explain how behaviour and skills are learned through copying, association, and reinforcement.
