Behaviourist Theories
What is the main focus of behaviourism?
Observable behaviour and how it is influenced by the environment.
Who developed classical conditioning?
Ivan Pavlov
Who is associated with operant conditioning?
B.F. Skinner
What does closed loop theory rely on?
Feedback during movement to make adjustments.
Name the three stages of learning a skill.
Cognitive, Associative, Autonomous.
Name the two main types of conditioning in behaviourist theory.
Classical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning.
Define “conditioned response.”
A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus.
What is positive reinforcement?
Adding a reward to encourage behaviour.
What type of movements does open loop control apply to?
Fast, discrete movements with no feedback during execution.
Which stage relies most on external feedback?
Cognitive stage
What is the ultimate aim of behaviourism?
To predict and control behaviour.
Give a sporting example of classical conditioning.
Sprinters reacting to the sound of a starting pistol.
Give a sporting example of operant conditioning.
Rewarding accurate shots in football drills to reinforce correct technique.
Define schema in skill acquisition.
A set of rules built from experience that guides motor responses.
Define positive transfer of learning.
When learning one skill makes learning another easier.
Which argument does behaviourism support more: nature or nurture?
Nurture – behaviour is learned from the environment.
What is the difference between an unconditioned and conditioned stimulus?
Unconditioned stimulus naturally triggers a response; conditioned stimulus triggers a learned response.
State Thorndike’s Law of Effect.
Behaviours followed by rewards are more likely to be repeated.
Name the two types of schema in Schmidt’s theory.
Recall schema and Recognition schema.
Give an example of bilateral transfer in sport.
A footballer learning to use their weaker foot.
Give one limitation of behaviourist theory in sport.
It oversimplifies behaviour and ignores cognitive processes.
Explain how classical conditioning supports the nurture argument.
It shows behaviour is shaped by environmental associations, not innate traits.
Explain the difference between positive and negative reinforcement.
Positive adds a reward; negative removes an unpleasant stimulus to strengthen behaviour.
Why is varied practice important for schema development?
It builds flexible movement patterns and strengthens motor programmes.
Explain why understanding transfer of learning is important for coaches.
It helps design practices that maximise skill transfer and avoid negative transfer.