Skill Acquisition

Question 1

What is operant conditioning?

Answer 1

A type of learning where a behavior is strengthened using a reinforcer or diminished with a punisher

Question 2

What are the 4 main features of the operant conditioning model when learning new motor skills?

Answer 2

• manipulate environment
• allows for behavior shaping
• repeat the skill with a process of trial and error
• use positive reinforcement for desired response and and punishment and negative reinforcement to weaken undesired response

Question 3

Apply operant conditioning when teaching a smash shot in badminton

Answer 3

• structure the environment by repeatedly serving a high shuttle
• encourages behavior shaping as it encourages the smash response
• through trial and error the player can work out what works
• positive reinforcement can be given to the correct response

Question 4

What are Thorndike’s laws?

Answer 4

• law of exercise
• law of readiness
• law of effect

Question 5

What is the law of exercise?

Answer 5

repeated practice of the SR connections are more likely to reinforce them

Question 6

What is the law of effect?

Answer 6

Reinforcement will strengthen the desired SR bond, positive reinforcement is the most effective at this

Question 7

What is the law of readiness?

Answer 7

A performer must be mentally and physically capable of performing the skill

Question 8

What is cognitive learning theory?

Answer 8

A type of learning that involves rehearsing a skill in whole and using problem solving

Question 9

Give four features of cognitive learning

Answer 9

• whole learning
• problem solving
• using past experiences
• insight learning
• experimentation
• learner must be self-motivated
• gestalt theory

Question 10

some performers learn a new skill by following the cognitive theory of learning. Analyse how following this approach may affect their learning (4 marks)

Answer 10

• performer may develop a better understanding of the skill and when to apply it
• the performer won’t always need to rely on a coach as they can self correct
• however if the performer loses motivation they may give up on the skill
• the learning of the skill might not be as successful because they don’t have a role model to copy off

Question 11

What are the 4 types of guidance to be used when teaching a skill?

Answer 11

• visual guidance
• verbal guidance
• manual guidance
• mechanical guidance

Question 12

What are the advantages and disadvantages of verbal guidance?

Answer 12

advantages
- can reinforce the right movements and correct errors through feedback
-can hold the attention of the performer
-can motivate the performer
Disadvantages
-overload a performer with information
- the guidance given could be inaccurate