Learning Theories

• Name the three stages of Fitts and Posner's stages of learning (3)

  - Cognitive (beginner)

  - Associative (conscious effort)

  - Autonomous (automatic performance)
• Summarise Thorndike's laws of learning (3)

  Exercise:

  More frequently a stimulus and response are associated with each other the more likely the particular response is to follow the stimulus

  
  

  Effect:

  Rewards will increase probability of behaviour being repeated

  
  

  Readiness:

  Learner must be responsive to act to strengthen S-R bond with a degree of eagerness and concentration
• Explain how reinforcement can be used to develop the correct stimulus-response bond (4)

  - Positive reinforcement acts as a satisfier and encourages repetition of response

  
  

  - Operant conditioning leads to correct response

  
  

  - Punishment prevents response from recurring

  
  

  - Punishment creates association of displeasure and breaks incorrect response

  
  

  - Negative reinforcement increases confidence leading to repetition of correct response
• Explain three ways in which a coach may use positive reinforcement to develop sporting performance using SR bond (6)

  Stimulus:

  - Verbal praise for correct response encourages repetition

  - Tangible rewards for response

  - Use observational learning to stimulate positive performances

  
  

  Response:

  - Develop positive emotions to associate with desired response

  - Video to show best performances

  - Goal setting to increase desire to achieve best performances