Theories of learning

Question 1

What are the three learning theories?

Answer 1

Operant conditioning, cognitive theory, social learning

Question 2

Explain operant conditioning?

Answer 2

learning through trial and error, conditioning the most effective response

Question 3

Explain cognitive theory?

Answer 3

This is learning by doing the whole skill and using problem solving skills to work out how to perform the skill effectively

Question 4

Explain social learning theory?

Answer 4

This is learning through copying and imitating others

Question 5

What is an associationist theory?

Answer 5

learning occurs as a result of the association or connection between a stimulus and a response

Question 6

When does learning take place?

Answer 6

When a bond is made between stimulus and response, this is due to conditioning or shaping behaviour

Question 7

What are the two types of conditioning?

Answer 7

Classical and operant

Question 8

Why is reinforcement used?

Answer 8

This is used to strengthen an
stimulus-response (S-R) bond
and therefore increases the
likelihood that the behaviour will
occur in the same way again

Question 9

What are throndike’s laws?

Answer 9

These laws were developed to
help strengthen the S-R bond
when using operant conditioning
as a learning method

Question 10

What does operant conditioning involve?

Answer 10

• manipulating or changing the environment to trigger the desired response
• learn by association
• forming and strengthening the S-R bond
• shaping and modifying behaviour through practice

Question 11

What is positive reinforcement?

Answer 11

presentation of a pleasant stimulus to the performer after a desired response

Question 12

What is negative reinforcement?

Answer 12

presentation of an unpleasant stimulus after an incorrect response

Question 13

What is punishment?

Answer 13

Presentation of a noxious stimulus after an incorrect response

Question 14

What is the law of effect?

Answer 14

Reinforcement or praise will strengthen the S-R bond

Question 15

What is the law of exercise?

Answer 15

Repeating the movements will strengthen the S-R bond

Question 16

What is the law of readiness?

Answer 16

The learner must have the physical and mental capability to perform the skill

Question 17

What are intervening variables?

Answer 17

factors which come between the stimulus occurring sand the response

Question 18

What does the cognitive theory involve?

Answer 18

Drawing on past experiences

Question 19

What are the advantages of the cognitive theory?

Answer 19

• Adaptability
• Quick
• Future problem solving
• Kinaesthetic feel

Question 20

What are the disadvantages of the cognitive theory?

Answer 20

_Cognitive ability
- Too complex
- Motivation

Question 21

What factors make a successful model?

Answer 21

If the model is the same or similar to you in terms of age/gender/sport/
position/attitude/culture
* If the model is significant/powerful or someone we look up to
* If the model’s behaviour is reinforced/praised/rewarded
* If the demonstration is high standard/consistent/accurate/successful
* If the model uses relevant behaviour/socially acceptable behaviour
* If the model is friendly or attractive
* If the demonstration is clear and/or repeated
* If the observer is focused on the relevant cues and can remember what
they have seen (uses mental rehearsal)
* If the observer is motivated
Social Learning/Observational
Learning Theory