Theories of learning

Question 1

Operant conditioning

Answer 1

-Trial & error followed by reinforcement or punishment

Question 2

Evaluation of operant conditioning

Answer 2

+Effective with all stages of learning
+Praise leads to effective skill learing
-Some learn better by copying demonstrations of sig others
-Some players learn more through developing insights of a situation

Question 3

Cognitive theory of learning

Answer 3

-Seeing the problem as a whole, and problem-solving
-Previous experiences are used
-Understanding takes place between the stimulus and the response
E.g. Running a 3 on 2 in rugby, attackers have to work out how to beat the defenders

Question 4

Evaluation of the cognitive theory of learning

Answer 4

+Devepols kinaesthetic feel
+Develops understanding
-Doesn’t consider that reinforcement helps learning
-May not be as successful as copying role models

Question 5

Social learning theory

Answer 5

Learn new skills by observing sig other

+People learn by watching and copying sig others
+People learn through watching
-Doesn’t consider that reinforcement helps learning
-Some players learn more through developing insights of a situation

Question 6

Evaluate the use of rewards in operant conditioning

Answer 6

+Rewards reinforce the S-R. bonds
+Rewards are easy to give e.g. praise
-If used at the wrong time can strengthen the incorrect S-R bonds

Question 7

Positive reinforcement

Answer 7

A reward for when correct behaviour is seen
E.g. coach praising a badminton player for performing a smash correctly
-Strengthen S-R bond
e.g. smash is more likely to be repeated next time the stimulus is presented

Question 8

Negative reinforcement

Answer 8

Removing punishment
E.g. coach would stop shouting when the smash is performed at the right time

Question 9

Punishment

Answer 9

Given when an incorrect response occurs
-Prevents the response from occurring