Section B: Acquiring, developing and performing movement skills 5. Reinforcement

Syllabus Definition and examples of positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and punishment, as methods of strengthening or weakening the S/R bond Ways of strengthening the S/R bond through repetition, satisfaction/annoyance, and through physical and mental preparedness

Connectionist or association theories Connectionist or Association Theories rely on the learner linking a stimulus from the environment with a movement response. If successful the response becomes connected or associated with the stimulus and stored in the long term memory. Connections are called “learning bonds” which can be recalled and repeated in similar environmental conditions. Learning bonds are strengthened through repetition. Strengthening is also bought about through a process called reinforcement which increases the probability of the behaviour reoccurring. The two types of reinforcement are: – Positive – Negative

Thorndike’s laws Thorndike, who, in developing his own research on trial-and-error learning, linked to S-R bond theory, proposed many laws of learning. Law of Effect – Positive reinforcement increases the chances of behaviour reoccurring (experiences of satisfaction) – Puzzle box – a hungry cat was placed in a puzzle box, from which it could escape to be fed by ‘operating’ the correct mechanism. Through trial and error, when repeatedly placed in the box, the cat reduced its time in the box from 5 minutes to 5 seconds and was fed (pleasurable experience) Law of Exercise – The more often a response is reinforced the stronger the learning bond will become. – The ‘law of disuse’ – when the bond is weakened – Appropriate conditions could be created by the use of reinforcement Law of Readiness – Learning by connecting can only take place when the nervous system has reached an appropriate stage of maturation (physically and mentally able to complete task)

Thorndike concluded that: What happens as a result of behaviour will influence behaviour in the future Responses that bring satisfaction or pleasure are likely to be repeated Reponses that bring discomfort are not likely to be repeated again – Behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences Shaping – is the gradual process for developing difficult/complex behaviour patterns in small stages

The consequences of operants for behaviour Positive reinforcement – strengthens behaviour – motivate and encourage Negative reinforcement – strengthens behaviour – withdrawal of a possible aversive stimulus Punishment – weakens behaviour – an aversive stimulus