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ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Learning and training at work

A training manager rewards staff with praise and a small bonus each time they correctly complete a new compliance procedure, hoping this will make correct completion more frequent. Which learning theory underlies this approach?

The approach is behaviourist learning. Behaviourists argue that behaviour followed by a reward, such as praise or a bonus, is reinforced and becomes more likely to recur, which is what the manager is trying to achieve with the compliance procedure.

  1. ACognitive learning, based on insight and mental processing
  2. BBehaviourist learning, based on reinforcement of behaviourCorrect
  3. CExperiential learning, based on the Kolb cycle
  4. DSocial learning, based on formal classroom instruction

Explanation

The behaviourist approach holds that behaviour followed by a reward is reinforced and more likely to be repeated. Here, praise and bonuses reinforce correct completion. Cognitive theory focuses on understanding and mental processes, not on rewards shaping behaviour, so it does not describe this approach.

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