Learning Theories

Question 1

What are the 4 main types of learning theories?

Answer 1

1 - Behaviourism (Operant conditioning) - Skinner
2 - Cognitive theories (Insight learning) - Gestalt
3 - Social Learning (Observational learning) - Bandura
4 - Constructivism and social development theory - Vygotsky

Question 2

Describe the flow chart to behaviourism theory

Answer 2

• Stimulus
• Response
• If successful S-R bond strengthens and habit is develops
• If failure S-R bond weakens and alternative response is tried until successful response is achieved

Question 3

What type of learning is stated in behaviourism theory?

Answer 3

Trial and error learning

Question 4

Describe the theory of behaviourism

Answer 4

• Involves the manipulation of the environment to shape the performer’s actions using reinforcement to get a desired action e.g have area on tennis court to aim into
• When the correct action is performed, positive reinforcement is given which strengthens the S-R bond - the performer is more likely to perform this response again
• When an incorrect response is performed, punishment is used which weakens the S-R bond - the performer tries an alternative response until a successful response is reached
• This is trial and error learning
• There is no understanding as to why certain responses are better than others, according to Operant Conditioning Theory

Question 5

What is reinforcement?

Answer 5

The process that increases the chance of a behaviour reoccurring. It strengthens the S-R bond

Question 6

Describe positive reinforcement and give examples

Answer 6

• A stimulus that creates satisfaction (satisfier) to increase the chance of a particular response occurring again. It strengthens the S-R bond
  E.g. praise from coach, pride in success

Question 7

Describe negative reinforcement and give examples

Answer 7

The removal of an unpleasant stimulus when the desired response occurs. It helps strengthen the S-R bond
E.g. coach shouting at performer when incorrect response occurs but stops shouting at performer when desired response occurs

Question 8

Describe punishment and give examples

Answer 8

Giving a stimulus (annoyer) to prevent a response occurring again. The punishment could be something within the rules of the game
E.g. being made to do push ups by coach when incorrect response is performed, being tackled by opponent

Question 9

Describe the cognitive learning theory

Answer 9

• The belief that an individual should not react in a reflex-like manner but there are cognitive processes or intervening variables i.e. there is thinking between the stimulus being received and the response being made

Question 10

Why is cognitive learning theory better than trial and error leaning?

Answer 10

• Allows learners to develop their own strategies and routes of understanding the problem as a whole
• Less predictable
• Develop decision-making, creativity and problem solving skills
• Can adapt movements and apply to new situations
• Progress at own rate
• Improves motivation
• Develops independent learners

Question 11

What is the flow scheme for social learning theory?

Answer 11

Observation of demonstration --->
Attention --->
Retention --->
Motor reproduction --->
Motivation --->
Performance

Question 12

What are the characteristics of a good role model?

Answer 12

• Attractive
• Competent
• Have a high status

Question 13

What makes a good demonstration?

Answer 13

• Seen and heard easily
• Accurate
• Focus attention on important cues/details

Question 14

How can the retention process be improved?

Answer 14

(RRMM)

• Relevant
• Realistic
• Meaningful chunks
• Mental picture should be developed

Question 15

How should the motor reproduction process take place?

Answer 15

• Immediate opportunity to practice
• Within physical and mental capabilities
• Broken down into achievable parts

Question 16

How can you ensure the performer is motivated?

Answer 16

• Reinforce with practice
• Give sense of achievement
• Task should be seen as being important
• Role models should have a high status to the performer

Question 17

Describe the social development theory

Answer 17

• Belief that learning takes place via interaction or association with others
• You learn sports from influential others called more knowledgeable others (MKOs) e.g. teachers, coaches
• During skill learning the leaner gains knowledge directly from the MKO - this is known as inter-psychological learning e.g. via demonstration, direct advice
• When the external advice has been received, the learner will think about it and construct actions based on what they have learnt this stage is called intra-psychological learning, learning from within

Question 18

What is the theory of constructivism?

Answer 18

• It is based on building upon your current level of performance
• The learner will assess what level they are currently at and therefore what they need to do to improve, moving onto the next level
• Constructivism suggests that a learner uses the zone of proximal development

Question 19

What are the 3 main stages to constructivism? Give examples of each stage

Answer 19

1 - What can I do alone?
E.g. Take a free-kick

2 - What can I do with help?
E.g. Take a free-kick but place further away from keeper

3 - What can I not do yet?
E.g. Take a free-kick and hit top corners every time