Volume 9, Number 2, January 2014
Suggested answers
Test your understanding of learning theories
Emma Stephens
1 Recall five key words or phrases you would use to explain each learning theory in an exam answer. Give an explanation for each key word or phrase.
Answer
Operant conditioning:
- Stimulus–response bond — the link made between a particular cue and a habitual behaviour.
- Manipulate the environment — setting parameters/rules/restrictions to encourage an outcome.
- Behaviour shaping — encouraging the desired response.
- Trial and error — experimenting with possibilities.
- Positive reinforcement — a satisfier that encourages behaviour to be repeated.
Observational learning:
- Vicarious reinforcement — observing and imitating others.
- Attention — focusing on a demonstration.
- Retention — remembering the demonstration and being able to recall it.
- Motor reproduction — having the physical and mental capabilities.
- Motivation —the desire to learn.
Cognitive learning theory:
- Whole learning — presenting the skill in its entirety.
- Insight learning — an understanding of what is required to complete the skill.
- Perception — making sense of the information.
- Previous experiences — past behaviours or actions that may influence the interpretation of the information.
- Intervening variables — mental processes used to arrive at a solution.
2 Apply each theory to the learning of a skill from your chosen sport.
Answer
Operant conditioning, e.g. centre pass in netball
- To teach the centre pass in netball, you could manipulate the environment by asking the receiver to catch the ball in the middle channel and they must beat the defender before they cross the line. This is shaping behaviour — encouraging the player to be free and in the middle channel to receive the centre pass, which is the best place for future plays. Through trial and error, the GA and WA will try to achieve this and when they are successful the coach will praise them, encouraging them to repeat this behaviour.
Observational learning, e.g. centre pass in netball
- The coach may show a video demonstration of England Coach Tamsin Greenway receiving the centre pass in the middle channel, having lost her opponent before she crosses the third line.
Cognitive learning theory, e.g. centre pass in netball
- The player must be given the insight/understanding by presenting the whole skill or problem to them.The player should be asked to think where the second phase ball should go and so where the best place would be to catch the centre pass. Through previous experience and knowledge of the game, they will use their perception of this information to determine where to receive the centre pass. They will have an understanding/insight as to why the centre pass should be caught in the middle channel.
3How might each learning theory be used to encourage a balanced, active and healthy lifestyle? For example, how might you use each theory to teach someone to eat healthily?
Answer
Operant conditioning
- You could manipulate the environment by removing unhealthy products from the cupboards and shopping list etc. This would encourage the selection of healthier options.Through trial and error, they would try new foods, some of which they would like and some they would not. Positive reinforcement comes in when they like the healthy foods, and when they see the benefits or are praised by a significant other for making a healthier choice.
Observational learning theory
- A person may observe a friend eating healthily and notice they have lost weight. If they are of a similar age(and same gender), the person has the motivation and belief that they could also lose weight by eating healthily and so copies the friend’s diet.
Cognitive learning theory
- A person looks at the whole problem of wanting to lose weight and realises they need to change their diet and increase their exercise level. Perceiving the information of their current diet and what they need to change, and drawing on past experiences and knowledge of healthy foods, they set themselves goals and a new healthy eating regime.
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