operant conditioning

Question 1

What is operant conditioning

Answer 1

• Operant conditioning is one of the conditioning theories.
• It involves the performer linking a specific stimulus to a learned response.
• This is achieved by the coach manipulating the environment and providing either reinforcement or punishment causing the S-R bond to be strengthened or weakened.
• The aim is to shape behaviour and the learner often learns through trial and error.

Question 2

What is the likelihood of the response dependent on

Answer 2

• Likelihood of response is dependent on the strength of the S-R bond
• A strong link=response more likely
• A weak link=response less likely

Question 3

How do you get the performer to produce the desired behaviour

Answer 3

• Trial and error-Objective is explained to the learner and then the learner is allowed to experiment with different ways of achieving the outcome
• Teacher/coach demonstrate-Shown a demonstration and then asked to and try for themselves.This is more likely to lead to a desired performance

Question 4

Creating a link between stimulus and response - Reinforcement

Answer 4

Reinforcement is used to create the link between stimulus and response. Once the performer has been coached to produce the desired action we must then reinforce the link between the
stimulus and response.

Question 5

What are the three ways reinforcement can occur

Answer 5

• Positive reinforcement
• Negative reinforcement
• Punishment.

Question 6

What is positive reinforcement

Answer 6

• Rewarding the correct response
• Generally extrinsic rewards can be tangible or intangible
• We like to receive reward, so this motivates us to repeat the action in order to gain reward
• Performing a successful action leads to satisfaction, and increased self-worth also motivating us to repeat the action

Question 7

What is negative reinforcement

Answer 7

• Discouraging the incorrect response
• The coach may give the performer a negative comment when they give the wrong response
• The coach can then withdraw this aversive action when the learner gives the correct response

Question 8

What is the punishment

Answer 8

Aims to break the S-R bond because the wrong response is given

Question 9

Criticisms of Operant Conditioning

Answer 9

• The learner is not required to understand WHY they should be doing something. A lack of understanding may be de- motivating.
• Trial and Error learning may lead to the wrong technique being adopted by the learner if it leads to initial success. This then requires ‘unlearning’.
• Beginners do not react well to Negative Reinforcement and the use of punishment is not appropriate either.