Operant Conditioning Theory (Operant Conditioning) – Callum Arnold
The Operant conditioning theory is an example of a connectionist theory of learning, relying upon the connection between a stimulus and a response. These may also be known as a S-R theories. This theory states that we become conditioned to give a particular response to a particular stimulus; that we have learned to act in a certain way given a certain stimulus. The likelihood of the response is dependent upon the strength of the bond between the stimuli.
STIMULUS Response (Weak link – response less likely)
STIMULUS Response (Strong link – response more likely)
Positive …show more content…
It does so by giving an aversive action (something the learning does not like) when they give the wrong response and then stopping the aversive action when the learner gives the correct response.
Punishment: -
Punishment seeks to break the S-R bond – the link between a stimulus and a response – because the wrong response is given to the stimulus.
Another aspect of operant conditioning is shaping. Shaping is where an action that is closer to the desired action is rewarded by positive reinforcement, but an action that is further from the desired action receives negative reinforcement. The learner gradually moves closer to the desired action.
Criticisms of operant conditioning and psycho – motor skill learning: - * The learner is not required to understand why they should do something. A lack of understanding may be de-motivating. * Trial and Error learning may lead to the wrong technique being adopted by the learner if it leads to initial success. This may require ‘unlearning’ and will waste time. * The learner may not know how to react when the stimulus is slightly different from those already experienced. Due to their lack of understanding, they learner may not know which response to …show more content…
You need to remember closed loop control in terms of a possible explanation for learning and as a motor control process.
Schmidt’s Schema theory:
Schmidt developed his theory as a result of his criticism of earlier theories such as the Adams Closed Loop theory. Schmidt’s criticisms of closed loop theory were:
* To carry a separate memory trace for every single movement or technique that we perform would place too great a burden on our memory storage capacity – also a criticism of stimulus – response
The Operant conditioning theory is an example of a connectionist theory of learning, relying upon the connection between a stimulus and a response. These may also be known as a S-R theories. This theory states that we become conditioned to give a particular response to a particular stimulus; that we have learned to act in a certain way given a certain stimulus. The likelihood of the response is dependent upon the strength of the bond between the stimuli.
STIMULUS Response (Weak link – response less likely)
STIMULUS Response (Strong link – response more likely)
Positive …show more content…
It does so by giving an aversive action (something the learning does not like) when they give the wrong response and then stopping the aversive action when the learner gives the correct response.
Punishment: -
Punishment seeks to break the S-R bond – the link between a stimulus and a response – because the wrong response is given to the stimulus.
Another aspect of operant conditioning is shaping. Shaping is where an action that is closer to the desired action is rewarded by positive reinforcement, but an action that is further from the desired action receives negative reinforcement. The learner gradually moves closer to the desired action.
Criticisms of operant conditioning and psycho – motor skill learning: - * The learner is not required to understand why they should do something. A lack of understanding may be de-motivating. * Trial and Error learning may lead to the wrong technique being adopted by the learner if it leads to initial success. This may require ‘unlearning’ and will waste time. * The learner may not know how to react when the stimulus is slightly different from those already experienced. Due to their lack of understanding, they learner may not know which response to …show more content…
You need to remember closed loop control in terms of a possible explanation for learning and as a motor control process.
Schmidt’s Schema theory:
Schmidt developed his theory as a result of his criticism of earlier theories such as the Adams Closed Loop theory. Schmidt’s criticisms of closed loop theory were:
* To carry a separate memory trace for every single movement or technique that we perform would place too great a burden on our memory storage capacity – also a criticism of stimulus – response