All learning theories

what is cognitive theory of learning?

a Gestaltist view of learning which suggests the skill should be learnt in its entirety using whole practice.

what does this cognitive theory of learning theory encourage?

 thinking and problem solving to gain understanding and ability rather than trial and error in a more fixed environment.

what are the 2 key concepts of cognitive theory of learning?

• insight learning

• intervening variable

what is insight learning? (and example)

• This is using problem solving and using memory of effective experiences to solve a new challenge.

• e.g. being told to always pass with the ball high over your head in netball.

what is an intervening variable? (and example)

• Factors that cause the mental processes involved in decision making.

• e.g. in netball you may need to do a drop ball or bounce pass into the circle due to where defenders arms are.

 

what are some advantages of cognitive learning theory?

• performers can become more independent and self correct during a game

• performers can adapt better to different situations

• performers can make quick progress

• performers can develop kinesthesis

what are some disadvantages of the cognitive learning theory?

• using whole practice might be a problem if the skill is too difficult or dangerous if the performer is a beginner

• learning could be slower if the performer doesn’t understand what to do and therefore might lose motivation.

• performers might not have any past experiences to draw on

what is a simple definition of operant conditioning?

• learning using trial and error

• conditioning the most effective response through practice.

what happens if a performer is rewarded?

they are more likely to do it again

what is reinforcement?

• anything that increases the likelihood that a response will occur.

• It is defined by the effect that it has on behaviour – it increases or strengthens the response.

what are behaviourist theories?

• These are theories that explain how our actions are linked to certain stimuli.

• Based on idea that all behaviours are acquired through conditioning.

• Conditioning occurs through interaction with the environment.

• Our responses to environment shape our actions.

is operant conditioning a behaviourist theory? why?

• yes

• it links stimulus to response

who was the main psychologist who conducted the development of operant conditioning?

Skinner

what was the development of operant conditioning?

• Based on 1948 work of behavioural psychologist B.F. Skinner, which is it is sometimes referred to as Skinnerian conditioning.

• Skinner was interested in how consequences of people's actions influenced their behaviour.

• Skinner used the word operant to refer to any 'active behaviour that operates upon the environment to generate consequences'.

• Discovery came from his work observing rats in a 'skinner box'.

• When rats touched a bar food was given and they learnt to press the bar.

define a satisfier

an action that gives a pleasant feeling so that response is likely to be repeated.

define an annoyer

an action that creates disappointment and unease, meaning that the incorrect response is avoided in the future.

what are the 3 issues of operant conditioning?

• Based on trial and error.

• Uses reinforcement.

• Environment can be manipulated to encourage the correct response.

how does operant conditioning work?

• It strengthens the bond between the stimulus and response bond (S-R bond)

• Linking the stimulus to the response using operant conditioning involves positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and punishment.

• These all aid the shaping of behaviour.

what is positive reinforcement and a sporting example?

• Involves an additional, pleasant stimulus after the correct response.

• Sporting example: a coach giving sweets to a tennis player when there serve lands in.

what is negative reinforcement and a sporting example?

• The removal of a negative or unpleasant stimulus after the correct response in order to strengthen a behaviour. 

• Sporting example: taking away negative criticism when a skill is performed correctly, like the coach stopping shouting when instructions at a player when they make a successful cross.

what is punishment and a sporting example?

• Presenting an unpleasant stimulus to weaken behaviour and prevent the incorrect action occurring again.

• Sporting example: a coach makes a player sprint when he makes a bad pass.

what is the difference between negative reinforcement and punishment?

• negative reinforcement is taking away something and punishment is adding something even if it is negative (e.g. a red card)

what is mental practice?

anything that involves practising a skill or technique in the mind, like visualization or imagery.

what are Thorndike’s 3 laws?

• law of exercise

• law of effect

• law of readiness

what is the law of exercise? (and example)

• skills improve through training so you train with more focus.

• e.g. A goal defence repeatedly practises chest passes and shoulder passes in training. Through constant repetition, the correct passing technique becomes automatic, improving accuracy during a match.

what is the law of effect? (and example)

• positive outcome or satisfaction from practice makes you continue.

• e.g. A centre successfully intercepts a pass and receives praise from the coach. This positive reinforcement increases the likelihood that the player will attempt similar interceptions again in future games.

what is the law of readiness? (and example)

• you need to be physically and mentally strong enough to do the skill you are practicing or learning.

• A wing defence who understands defensive positioning and is fully warmed up is ready to learn a new zone defence strategy. As a result, they pick up the tactic quickly and apply it effectively in a game.

advantages of operant conditioning

• Encourages learning through rewards

• Increases motivation and confidence

• Effective for beginners

• Clear feedback shows what is right or wrong

• Helps reduce incorrect behaviour

disadvantages of operant conditioning

• Performer may become dependent on rewards

• Learning may stop if rewards are removed

• Limited understanding and decision-making

• Less effective for open skills

• Punishment can increase anxiety and reduce confidence

• Ignores intervening variables (e.g. emotions)

who was social learning theory developed by?

Bandura (a psychologist)

what is social learning theory?

It is based on watching and copying behaviour and social interaction from significant others.

define significant others

• these are people who are role models to us.

• they are important to us and therefore we are more likely to pay attention to them and copy their behaviour.

• for the theory to be effective the modelling is important.

what are Bandura’s 4 processes?

• attention

• retention

• motor reproduction

• motivation

what is the attention stage in social learning theory? (and example)

• the performer must be paying attention to the demonstration.

• e.g. watching a netball player demonstrate a dodge.

what is the retention stage in social learning theory? (and example)

• the performer must be able to remember the demonstration.

• e.g. the performer is able to remember how the demonstrator did the dodge.

what is the motor reproduction stage in the social theory of learning? (and examples)

•  the performer must be physically and mentally able to carry out the skill being demonstrated.

• e.g. the performer practices dodging.

what is the motivation stage in the social theory of learning? (and example)

• the performer needs to want to carry out the skill.

• e.g. they have seen the dodge carried out successfully so they are motivated to also be able to do that.

 

what is cueing in the social theory of learning?

• identifying important cues or stimuli

• for example, watching the arm of your opponent when receiving a serve in tennis.

what factors that might effect successful modelling to you in the social theory of learning?

• If the model is the same or similar to you in terms of age/gender/sport

• If they are significant or someone we look up to

• If their behaviour is reinforced/praised

• If the demonstration is high standard/successful

• If the model is friendly or attractive

• If the demonstration is clear/repeated

• If the observer is focused on the relevant cues and can remember what they have seen

• If the observer is motivated