1. Quick Quiz
Describe the 5 types of transfer and give an example of how each of them can be used in sports. (5)

2. Psychological factors affecting performance4
Psychological factors affecting performance
Skill acquisition
Principles and theories of learning movement skills

3. Learning Objectives Learning Objective: Understand how we learn
Learning Outcomes:
All: Describe the theories of learning
Most: Explain the theories of learning
Some: Evaluate the theories of learning

4. Key Terms Operant conditioning Cognitive theory of learning
Bandura’s theory of social / observational learning

5. Key Terms Operant conditioning Cognitive theory of learning
Bandura’s theory of social / observational learning

6. Operant conditioning – Skinner ‘64
Conditioning is more effective through manipulation of behaviour towards a stimulus rather than through modification of the stimulus.
Reading:

7. Operant conditioning – Thorndike’s Laws
How we fully develop an S-R bond depends on the extent that the following laws are applied.
Law of Exercise
Law of Effect
Law of Readiness
Reading:

8. Thorndike’s Laws Law of Exercise
Repeating or rehearsing the S-R connections is more likely to strengthen them. If the desired response occurs, reinforcement is necessary
E.g. if a gymnast practices a floor routine repeatedly, then the stimulus-response bonds are repeated or ‘exercised’. The more times a skill is practised the more likely a response will be bonded to a particular stimulus.

9. Thorndike’s Laws Law of Effect
If the response is followed by a ‘satisfier’, then the simulus-response bond is strengthened. If the response is followed by an ‘annoyer’, then the stimulus-response bond is weakened. This means that pleasant outcomes are likely to motivate the performer to repeat the action
If a beginner rugby player is attempting a spin pass and is successful, then the ‘effect’ is deemed to be successful and it is more likely that the player will perform the skill successfully again. If the player is unsuccessful and the effect is failure – the ball does not go in the right direction – then the effect is one that is subsequently avoided.

10. Thorndike’s Laws Law of Readiness
The performer must be physically and mentally able to complete the task effectively
A hockey player who has been drilled to perform a particular penalty flick may become predictable and demotivated by inhibition. Practice should be stopped for a while – perhaps new strategies should be discussed and practised later. New targets should be set an the practice resumed.

11. Cognitive theory of learning
Sometimes known as insight learning
The cognitive theories go beyond the associative or S-R theories. Many psychologists feel that there are intervening variables.
Cognitive theories are concerned with thinking and understanding rather than connecting certain stimuli to certain responses.

12. Cognitive theory of learning
Cognitive theorists recognise that we often learn taking into account our environment and what this means to us as individuals
E.g. a football player who recognises that the pitch is particularly slippery will take this into account and adapt their play accordingly.
Cognitive theorists believe that we are continually receiving information from our surroundings and we work out what is happening using our memories and our previous knowledge and general understanding (or perception) – often known as the Gestaltist theory – that we perceive objects as a whole, rather than a collection of parts

13. Cognitive theory of learning
The Gestaltists formed the cognitive theory of learning which involves understanding a problem to give insight into learning. Insight is facilitated by past experiences. This is the ‘highest’ form of learning and needs mental reasoning and intelligence. Practical applications of this theory include using a whole approach to skill learning rather than splitting a skill into parts and giving many different sports experiences to children, which allows the learner to develop problem-solving and decision making skills.
If skills coaching or teaching is too authoritarian, then the performer learning the skills will not be able to adapt to different situations, they may not be able to read the game effectively and therefore make inaccurate decisions.

14. Bandura’s Social Learning Theory
All behaviour is learnt
Attention
Retention
Reproduction
Motivation
Reading:

15. Exam Questions May 2016 qu2d (5) Jan 2013 qu 2e (10)  
Jan 2013 qu 2e (10)
May 2012 qu 2e (10)
Positive behaviours associated with a balanced, healthy lifestyle can be learned by observing others and modelling or copying their behaviour. Explain the factors that affect the modelling or copying of healthy lifestyle behaviour.
Discuss how operant conditioning could be applied to young people learning movement skills, and adopting a balanced, active, healthy lifestyle.
Describe Bandura’s model of observational learning. Discuss the factors that affect successful modelling when learning balanced, active and healthy lifestyle behaviour.