Skip to content

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

A training manager says: 'Learning occurs when a stimulus is followed by a response, and behaviour followed by a reward is likely to be repeated.' Which learning theory is the manager describing?

The manager describes behaviourist theory. It views learning as conditioning, where a stimulus produces a response and rewarded behaviour is reinforced and repeated, unlike cognitive theory's focus on mental processing or Kolb's experiential cycle.

  1. ACognitive theory, which focuses on mental processing and insight
  2. BBehaviourist theory, which focuses on conditioning through stimulus, response and reinforcementCorrect
  3. CExperiential theory, which focuses on a cycle of experience and reflection

Explanation

Behaviourism (Pavlov, Skinner) explains learning as conditioned responses strengthened by reinforcement. Cognitive theory stresses internal mental processes and understanding, and experiential theory (Kolb) uses a cycle of experience and reflection. Only the first option matches the description.

Did you get it right without looking?

One question tells you little. A timed set on Learning and training at work shows your real accuracy, how long you take and where you lose marks.

Practise Learning and training at workFree diagnostic mock

More Learning and training at work questions