LEARNING THEORIES OPERANT CONDITIONING

How do you Respond? Pick a card. On your card you have a statement. I would like you to write down the following: What are you most likely to do in this situation What are you least likely to do in this situation

Lesson Objectives WE ARE LEARNING TO... Understand the theory of operant conditioning Understand the differences between positive and negative reinforcement and punishment Understand the drawbacks of operant conditioning

Example: A Child learning to ride a Bicycle Learning Defined Learning is defined as a permanent or semi-permanent change in behaviour or changed behaviour that remains stable over time Example: A Child learning to ride a Bicycle

Operant Conditioning Operant Conditioning Manipulating behaviour to shape the correct response through the use of reinforcement Relies upon the connection between a stimulus and a response Also known as a S-R Theory This theory states we are conditioned to give a particular response to a particular stimulus The likelihood of the response is dependant upon the strength of the bond between the stimulus and the response

Based on the formation and strengthening of learning bonds Skinner's Operant Conditioning Based on the formation and strengthening of learning bonds Strengthened Bond Success Stimulus Response Weakened Bond Failure Stimulus Response Operant Conditioning Video

CAN YOU THINK OF ANY MORE EXAMPLES? Student Task The connection between the stimulus and response is due to a form of conditioning which is like training, which makes a certain behaviour into a habit. This habit is ingrained and learned which becomes part of a persons automatic response to a stimulus Practical Examples Relay running – shout hand (stimulus) hand out and take baton (response) Goalkeeper – Instant reaction to a penalty takers strike depending on the takers body positioning and stance CAN YOU THINK OF ANY MORE EXAMPLES?

Reinforcement Intrinsic/Extrinsic Motivation NEGATIVE The withdrawal of a stimulus Increases the probability of behaviour reoccurring Teacher who constantly shouts, suddenly stops Punishment Seeks to break the S-R Bond because the wrong response is given to the stimulus POSITIVE The presentation of approval Increases the probability of behaviour reoccurring “well done” after a successful shot in tennis It is very important to not confuse negative reinforcement with negative feedback or punishment These are given to try and reduce the occurrence of a negative behaviour

Bringing about the successful response When structuring practice sessions we need to: Make the practice environment as similar to game conditions as possible Shape/encourage the desired behaviour: A high serve will encourage a smash shot Allow Trial & Error Apply reinforcement

Criticisms of Operant Conditioning Trial and error learning may lead to the wrong technique. This may require unlearning and waste time The learner may not know how to react when the stimulus is slightly different from those already experienced. Due to lack of understanding they may not know which response to use Beginners do not react well to negative reinforcement and the use of punishment does not seem appropriate in a skill learning situation

Exam Questions Describe the operant conditioning theory and give an example of how you would use operant conditioning methods in the coaching of a game such as basketball (3 marks) A coach ‘reinforces’ good performances in training with praise. Why does this reinforcement work rather than punishing poor performances? Explain what you understand by reinforcement and punishment in this situation (5 marks)

Conclusion Can/Do you.... Understand the differences between positive and negative reinforcement and punishment Understand the theory of operant conditioning Understand the drawbacks of operant conditioning