Learning Theories

Question 1

Knapp’s definition of learning

Answer 1

learning is considered a more or less permanent change in performance.

Association with experiences but excluding changes through maturation and degeneration.

Question 2

Singer’s definition of learning

Answer 2

Performance may be thought of as a temporary occurrence, fluctuating from time to time cos of many potentially operating variables.

Question 3

What is performance used to test?

Answer 3

performance represents the amount of learning that has occurred. You can observe the change such as progression in performance.

Question 4

Learning curves are used for …

Answer 4

Reflecting the difference/relationship between trials of a skill compared to success rate or performance rate.
It is useful for showing good indication of learning and allowing goal setting so that a performer may recognise their actual ability level

Question 5

What is the shape of a learning curve for a gross motor skill? and explain it?

Answer 5

S shaped - learning starts slow as athlete gets to grips with the skill and then they become more motivated by success and practise more hence a rapid improvement. Finally improvement slows down as difficulties are encountered requiring more cognitive thinking effort.

Question 6

Examples of learning curve

Answer 6

positive acceleration
negative
linear
S-shaped

Question 7

Positive acceleration on a learning curve explanation

Answer 7

poor early performances but improves later.

Question 8

Negative deceleration on a learning curve explanation

Answer 8

good early performances but poorer performances in later trials

Question 9

Linear relationship on a learning curve explanation

Answer 9

performance is directly proportional to the n.o. of practice trials.

Question 10

Plateau on learning curves meaning

Answer 10

not much change in performance against n.o of trials if at all.

Question 11

How can you avoid a plateau?

Answer 11

Give new goals that can be reached.

Give praise that is deserved

Ensure that there are regular rest intervals

Maintain motivation and employ positive cognitive techniques.

Vary and re-establish physical fitness

Look at technical development for possible variations or improvements.

Question 12

How many learning theories are there and what are they

Answer 12

7
associationalist theories about strengthening S-R bond

Classical conditioning w/ Pavlov

Operant conditioning w/ Skinner

Thorndike’s laws

cognitive theory
social learning theory

Fitts and Posner stages of learning.

Question 13

Associationalist theories

Answer 13

State that learning occurs as a result of the association between stimulus and response.

This connection is called strengthening of the S-R bond.

Question 14

How does associationalist theories suggest the connection between stimulus and response comes about?

Answer 14

Due to conditioning.
A form of training which makes a certain behaviour into a habit.

Change in behaviour occurs due to learning as a result of conditioning allowing an athlete to connect stimulus to correct response.

Question 15

Classical conditioning def

Answer 15

Performer doe not make a decision about the stimulus.

All responses are automatic
the S-R bond is strengthened by reinforcement

Question 16

What is the S-R bond strengthened by?

Answer 16

Reinforcement

S-R bond refers to the stimulus-response bond in behavioral learning.

Question 17

What type of responses are described as automatic?

Answer 17

All responses

This implies that the performer does not consciously decide how to respond.

Question 18

In the context of sports, what does the athlete do in response to a stimulus?

Answer 18

Reproduces the drill

An athlete responds to stimuli like a gun or a starter’s signal.

Question 19

How does a coach associate correct performance of a drill/response?

Answer 19

With a single word or whistle
The athlete is taught a drill and practices it following imitation of the model.

The coach has associated the correct performance/ response. The coach uses the word/whistle and athlete reproduces the drill
This technique helps in reinforcing the desired behavior.

Question 20

What method is used to teach an athlete a drill?

Answer 20

Practice following imitation of a model

This emphasizes learning through observation.

Question 21

What is the formula for classical conditioning?

Answer 21

Unconditioned stimulus + conditioned stimulus = conditioned response

This formula illustrates how learning occurs through association.

Question 22

What did Pavlov’s dogs learn to do when a bell was rung?

Answer 22

Salivate

This occurred even when no food was present, demonstrating classical conditioning.

Question 23

What was the focus of Pavlov’s work?

Answer 23

Modifying the stimulus

His research primarily dealt with how stimuli can influence behavior.

Question 24

True or False: The performer makes a decision about the stimulus in automatic responses.

Answer 24

False

Automatic responses do not involve conscious decision-making.

Question 25

What is operant conditioning concerned with?

Answer 25

Modifying behaviour/response with trial and error to reinforce correct response ## Footnote Based on the work of B.F. Skinner.

Question 26

Who conducted experiments using pigeons to study operant conditioning?

Answer 26

B.F. Skinner ## Footnote Skinner used pigeons to demonstrate behavioural responses through reinforcement.

Question 27

What was the purpose of Skinner enticing pigeons with food?

Answer 27

enticed them with food to peck at and then To modify their behaviour to peck and hit a table tennis ball. He developed the reinforcement of giving food when dseired response occured (knocking the ball) ## Footnote This was a foundational experiment in operant conditioning.

Question 28

What does reinforcement involve in the context of operant conditioning?

Answer 28

modifying respose to stimuluses with trial and rror when correct resonse is reinforced ## Footnote Reinforcement strengthens the association between stimulus and response.

Question 29

What is trial and error in skill acquisition?

Answer 29

A process where correct responses are reinforced ## Footnote This helps learners to modify their behaviour through practice.

Question 30

What does shaping refer to in skill acquisition?

Answer 30

Learning from a demonstration that teaches how to perform the skill and then reinforced after preformer has completed skill succesfully ## Footnote This method helps in developing complex skills gradually.

Question 31

In a sporting example, what reinforcement could a rugby coach use when a player passes the ball correctly?

Answer 31

by praising the rugby player whenever they do the correct response (passes the ball) the player will learn to pass ball correctly instead of kicking when shuld be passed due to noticing lack of reinforcement (praise) when this kick occurs. ## Footnote Reinforcing the correct behaviour helps modify the player's actions.

Question 32

What is the outcome of reinforcing a correct response in skill acquisition?

Answer 32

The learner gradually learns the correct behaviour ## Footnote The player may not understand why the response is correct but learns it through rewards.

Question 33

How should a reward be administered for it to be effective?

Answer 33

It should closely follow a correct response ## Footnote Immediate reinforcement increases the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated.

Question 34

What is the role of a coach in strengthening S-R bonds?

Answer 34

To strengthen correct S-R bonds and weaken incorrect S-R bonds ## Footnote This is crucial for effective skill acquisition.

Question 35

What is positive reinforcement in the context of PE and sport?

Answer 35

Reward or praise after a successful performance ## Footnote It encourages repetition of the desired behaviour.

Question 36

What is negative reinforcement?

Answer 36

Withdrawing or not giving praise after an unsuccessful performance to encourage a successful performance ## Footnote This can also involve removing unpleasant experiences to encourage successful performance.

Question 37

What is punishment in the context of skill acquisition?

Answer 37

Giving an unpleasant experience for poor performance ( ABUSE /FINES/ REPRIMANDS) so that they can break the incorrect bond ## Footnote This may include fines, reprimands, or physical punishment.

Question 38

What does reinforcement mean?

Answer 38

Strengthens the S-R bond and increases the chance of response repetition ## Footnote Reinforcement is crucial for learning and behaviour modification.

Question 42

Thorndikes laws

Answer 42

Law of exercise Effect and readiness

Question 43

Law of exercise

Answer 43

The more you practice skill practically you strengthen the S-R bond. E.g, practcing a javelin throw again to ensure it can be repeated well in competition

Question 44

Law of effect

Answer 44

Using reinforcement (praise/reward) to strengthen SR bond This satisfying the reinforcers increases chance response is repeated . The trial and error process can produce this effect since success reinforces a response, whereas failure forces preformed to try new methods to achieve success E.g. If the thrower feels that the movement is correct then he or she is more likely to repeat the movement.

Question 45

Law of readiness

Answer 45

Learning can only occur when the nervous system and muscular system is sufficiently mature.To allow the appropriate Sr bond, People should learn basic simple skills before attempting to learn more complex skills. The performer needs to be psychologically ready. E.g. If a thrower is physically and mentally prepared to perform a throw , then it is more likely to be performed well

Question 46

Cognitive theories

Answer 46

Concerned with understanding and insight Work of gestaltists . Stated that intervening variables are the factors affecting the link between stimulus and response being selected accurately. E.g. A tennis serge should be completed in one whole practice, not broken down into parts

Question 47

Social learning theory

Answer 47

Learning by copying others (observational learning) Studied by bandura A preformed is more likely going to copy performers wo are significant, those who are high status role models

Question 48

Fitts and posner stages of learning

Answer 48

Cognitive Associative and autonomous

Question 49

Cognitive phase

Answer 49

Skill learning goals are set and learning is Begun. Trial and error methods used improvements are rapid , but movements are jerky and uncoordinated Use of models and an initial look at techniques demands , higher attention and concentration thinking , stage , initial learning of basic skill , understanding of activity analysis of techniques.

Question 50

Associative phase

Answer 50

Specific motor programmes and subroutines are developed relevant to the sport Consistency, in coordination, improves rapidly timing and anticipation improve comparison of action with models, gross error detection and correction is practised Detailed feedback is utilised. Improvements are less rapid

Question 51

Autonomous phase

Answer 51

Performance is almost automatic without conscious control High proficiency with habitual performance and attention demands are reduced Attention can be given to relevant cues and signals from the environment Emphasis on tactics/strategy Errors detected and corrected without help.