3.1 Thorndike's Law of Effect

Thorndike's Law of Effect is a cornerstone of learning theory. It says behaviors followed by good results are more likely to be repeated, while those with bad results are less likely. This simple idea laid the groundwork for understanding how we learn through consequences.

Thorndike's puzzle box experiments with cats showed how animals learn through trial and error. The cats figured out how to escape the box faster over time, proving that satisfying outcomes strengthen behavior. This concept became key to operant conditioning.

Thorndike's Law of Effect

Overview of Thorndike's Theory

Top images from around the web for Overview of Thorndike's Theory

• 

  Reinforcement Theory | Introduction to Business View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Control Learning and Human Potential – Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Adapting Open Educational Course Materials in Undergraduate General Psychology: A Faculty ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Reinforcement Theory | Introduction to Business View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Control Learning and Human Potential – Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Overview of Thorndike's Theory

• 

  Reinforcement Theory | Introduction to Business View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Control Learning and Human Potential – Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Adapting Open Educational Course Materials in Undergraduate General Psychology: A Faculty ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Reinforcement Theory | Introduction to Business View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Control Learning and Human Potential – Psychology View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Law of Effect states that responses followed by satisfying consequences are more likely to be repeated in the future, while responses followed by annoying consequences are less likely to be repeated
• Stimulus-Response Theory proposes that learning occurs through the formation of associations between specific stimuli and responses
• Connectionism suggests that learning involves the strengthening or weakening of connections between stimuli and responses based on the consequences of those responses
• Strengthening of Connections occurs when a response is followed by a satisfying consequence, increasing the likelihood of that response occurring again in the future when presented with the same stimulus

Key Components of the Law of Effect

• Learning is a result of the consequences that follow a particular behavior or response
• Satisfying consequences (rewards) increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated in the future
• Annoying consequences (punishments) decrease the likelihood of a behavior being repeated in the future
• The strength of the connection between a stimulus and a response is determined by the nature and frequency of the consequences that follow the response

Experimental Evidence

Thorndike's Puzzle Box Experiments

• Thorndike conducted experiments using puzzle boxes to study animal learning and behavior
• In these experiments, cats were placed in a box with a latch that could be opened by performing a specific action (pulling a string or pressing a lever)
• The cats initially engaged in random behaviors until they accidentally performed the correct action, which allowed them to escape the box and receive a food reward
• Over time, the cats learned to perform the correct action more quickly and efficiently, demonstrating the strengthening of the connection between the stimulus (being in the box) and the response (performing the correct action)

Trial and Error Learning

• Thorndike's experiments demonstrated the concept of trial and error learning, where an animal or person tries various responses until they find one that leads to a satisfying outcome
• During the learning process, unsuccessful responses are gradually eliminated, while successful responses are reinforced and become more likely to occur in the future
• Trial and error learning is a key component of operant conditioning, as it allows an individual to discover which behaviors lead to desirable consequences and which lead to undesirable consequences

Consequences of Responses

Satisfying State of Affairs

• A satisfying state of affairs refers to a consequence that is pleasurable, rewarding, or fulfilling for the individual
• When a response leads to a satisfying state of affairs, the connection between the stimulus and the response is strengthened, making the response more likely to occur in the future
• Examples of satisfying states of affairs include receiving praise, obtaining a desired object (food or toy), or experiencing a sense of accomplishment

Annoying State of Affairs

• An annoying state of affairs refers to a consequence that is unpleasant, aversive, or frustrating for the individual
• When a response leads to an annoying state of affairs, the connection between the stimulus and the response is weakened, making the response less likely to occur in the future
• Examples of annoying states of affairs include experiencing pain, being scolded, or failing to obtain a desired outcome (not receiving a reward)
• Thorndike noted that the weakening effect of annoying consequences is often less powerful than the strengthening effect of satisfying consequences, as individuals are more likely to persist in seeking rewards than avoiding punishments