Learning Theories

What Learning Theories covers

Learning Theories is examined in Component 2, Psychological and social principles of physical education. It covers classical and operant conditioning, reinforcement, punishment and the S-R bond, Thorndike's laws of learning and Fitts and Posner's stages of learning.

The 4 subtopics

Each one has its own page.

• Classical and operant conditioningAssociative theories, Pavlov's classical conditioning and its stimuli, controlling nerves and the coach's whistle, Skinner's operant conditioning, shaping, the difference between the two, and the dangers of trial and error.Open →
• Reinforcement, punishment and the S-R bondReinforcement and the S-R bond, positive and negative reinforcement, punishment and how it differs, timing, the novice, when punishment is justified, reducing reinforcement, the golf swing fault and a bond that fades.Open →
• Thorndike's laws of learningThorndike and his puzzle-box cats, the laws of effect, exercise and readiness and how a coach applies each, practice making permanent, teaching before a learner is ready, the basketball free throw and an evaluation of the laws.Open →
• Fitts and Posner's stages of learningThe cognitive, associative and autonomous stages, trial and error, dependence on the coach, kinaesthesis, coaching at each stage, feedback across the stages, novice and autonomous tennis servers, and the stages as a continuum.Open →

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Take Learning Theories further

The same content, four other ways.

Commonly confused

Pairs that lose marks when they are blurred together.

• Classical conditioning vs Operant conditioning

  Classical conditioning: learning in which a new trigger is paired with a natural reflex. Operant conditioning: learning shaped by the consequences that follow a voluntary action.

• Positive reinforcement vs Negative reinforcement

  Positive reinforcement: adding a pleasant outcome after a correct response. Negative reinforcement: taking away an unpleasant stimulus once a correct response occurs.

• Law of effect vs Law of exercise

  Law of effect: a satisfying outcome strengthening the bond between cue and response. Law of exercise: repetition strengthening the bond between cue and response.

Questions from this topic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   How do associative theories explain learning?

   Model answer

   Associative theories explain learning as a connection formed between a stimulus and a response. The connection is called the stimulus–response, or S-R, bond.

2. 2

   What is classical conditioning?

   Model answer

   Classical conditioning pairs a neutral stimulus with a stimulus that already triggers a natural response. Repeated pairing means the neutral stimulus alone comes to trigger the response.

3. 3

   Describe Pavlov's experiment on classical conditioning.

   Model answer

   Pavlov rang a bell each time dogs were given food, which made them salivate. Eventually the bell alone made the dogs salivate.

4. 4

   In Pavlov's experiment, identify the unconditioned stimulus, the conditioned stimulus and the conditioned response.

   Model answer

   The food was the unconditioned stimulus, producing salivation as the unconditioned response. The bell became the conditioned stimulus, and salivation to the bell was the conditioned response.

5. 5

   How can classical conditioning help a performer control nerves?

   Model answer

   A performer can link a cue word or a deep breath with feeling calm through repeated pairing in training. The cue then triggers relaxation before a penalty or a serve.

6. 6

   How can a coach's whistle act as a conditioned stimulus in training?

   Model answer

   The whistle is repeatedly paired with stopping and gathering round the coach. Players learn to stop the moment they hear it, without thinking.

What is inside Levo

Six ways to work the same material.

Learning Theories revision questions

What does Learning Theories cover in Edexcel A-Level Physical Education?

4 subtopics: classical and operant conditioning, reinforcement, punishment and the s-r bond, thorndike's laws of learning and fitts and posner's stages of learning. Each one has its own page with questions and model answers.

How is Learning Theories organised?

By the Edexcel 9PE0 specification, subtopic by subtopic, so it matches the order you are taught it in.