Thorndike's theory, primarily known as the Law of Effect, centers around the idea that consequences shape learned behaviors.
Thorndike's Law of Effect Explained
Edward L. Thorndike, an American psychologist, developed the Law of Effect in 1905. This law states that the likelihood of a stimulus repeatedly eliciting a specific learned response depends on what happens after the response. In simpler terms:
- Responses followed by satisfying consequences become more likely to occur again.
- Responses followed by annoying consequences become less likely to occur again.
According to the reference, Thorndike's law of effect suggests that the probability of a stimulus repeatedly eliciting a learned response depends on the perceived consequences of the response.
Key Components of Thorndike's Theory
Thorndike's theory focuses on the connection between:
- Stimulus: A situation or cue.
- Response: The behavior exhibited in reaction to the stimulus.
- Consequence: The outcome that follows the response.
Examples of Thorndike's Law in Action
- Animal Training: If a dog performs a trick and receives a treat (satisfying consequence), it's more likely to repeat the trick in the future. Conversely, if the dog is scolded (annoying consequence), it's less likely to repeat the behavior.
- Learning in Humans: A student who studies hard and gets a good grade is more likely to continue studying diligently. A student who doesn't study and fails an exam is less likely to repeat that behavior.
Significance of the Law of Effect
Thorndike's Law of Effect was a foundational concept in behaviorism and laid the groundwork for operant conditioning, later developed by B.F. Skinner. It highlighted the importance of reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior.
Summary
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Core Principle | Behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are repeated; behaviors followed by annoying consequences are reduced. |
| Key Elements | Stimulus, response, consequence. |
| Impact | Influenced behaviorism and the development of operant conditioning. |
| Application | Applicable to both animal and human learning scenarios. |
