1. LEARNING THEORIES
OPERANT CONDITIONING

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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?

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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)

12. 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