Theories and Stages of Learning | OCR A-Level Physical Education (H555)
Theories and Stages of Learning
- 60 questions
- 4 subtopics
- Component 02: Psychological factors affecting performance
- Component 02
Theories and Stages of Learning is examined in Component 02, Psychological factors affecting performance.
It covers operant conditioning, cognitive theory and insight learning, Bandura's observational learning and Fitts and Posner's stages of learning.
Sample questions from Theories and Stages of Learning
Answer each one closed book first, then open the answer.
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Operant conditioning
What is positive reinforcement?
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Positive reinforcement is the giving of a pleasant stimulus after a correct response. Praise from a coach after a good pass strengthens the S-R bond. -
Operant conditioning
What is shaping?
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Shaping is the reinforcement of behaviour that gets gradually closer to the desired response. The coach rewards each small improvement until the full skill is achieved. -
Cognitive theory and insight learning
What is an intervening variable?
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An intervening variable is the mental processing that occurs between a stimulus and a response. Cognitive theorists argue that understanding happens during this processing. -
Cognitive theory and insight learning
Give two advantages of the cognitive approach to learning.
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The learner understands why a skill works, so it is better remembered. Independent problem solving builds intrinsic motivation and decision making. -
Bandura's observational learning
What is motor reproduction in Bandura's model?
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Motor reproduction is the learner's ability to physically perform the skill that was observed. The learner needs the strength, fitness and coordination to copy the model. -
Bandura's observational learning
Which features of a model make a learner more likely to copy?
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A model of high status who is successful is more likely to be copied. Learners also copy models of the same gender and of similar age or ability. -
Fitts and Posner's stages of learning
What are the characteristics of the associative stage of learning?
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The learner practises the skill and compares performance with a model. Movements become smoother and more consistent, with fewer errors. -
Fitts and Posner's stages of learning
Why must an autonomous performer keep practising?
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A performer who stops practising can slip back into the associative stage. Continued practice maintains the motor programme.
The 4 subtopics
One subtopic is one session. Work down the list.
| Subtopic | What it covers | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Operant conditioning | Skinner and the stimulus-response bond, trial and error, manipulating the environment, positive and negative reinforcement, punishment, shaping, and Thorndike's laws of effect, exercise and readiness. | 15 |
| Cognitive theory and insight learning | Insight learning, the Gestalt psychologists and Köhler's chimpanzees, intervening variables, perception and past experience, whole practice, open tactical skills, and how cognitive theory differs from operant conditioning. | 14 |
| Bandura's observational learning | Attention, retention, motor reproduction and motivation, effective demonstrations, vicarious reinforcement, significant others, the features of a model, matching performance and negative observational learning. | 15 |
| Fitts and Posner's stages of learning | The cognitive, associative and autonomous stages, information overload, motor programmes, why the associative stage is longest, error detection by autonomous performers, and how guidance and practice change through the stages. | 16 |
How the guide is worked
Answering a question from memory stores it far better than reading the answer again. The guide runs that as a fixed procedure on one subtopic at a time, about twenty minutes a session.
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Step 1 · Closed book
Cover the answers. Work through one subtopic and write down what you can. Leave blanks where you have nothing.
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Step 2 · Open book
Go back to the top. Read each printed answer and write it out in full, including the ones you had right.
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Step 3 · Closed book again
Same questions, same order, from memory. The gap between pass one and pass three is the session result.
Read the full method, the return schedule and the research behind it.
Nearby topics
OCR A-Level Physical Education Active Recall Guide
Every topic, not just this one. 2,133 questions with their answers.