Who is commonly attributed for discovering the law of effect? A. Skinner B. Watson C. Thorndike D. Baer
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. Thorndike.
Edward L. Thorndike, an American psychologist, is commonly credited with formulating the law of effect in the early 20th century. His work laid the foundation for behaviorism, a significant psychological paradigm that focuses on observable behaviors rather than internal mental states.
Thorndike’s law of effect states that responses followed by satisfying consequences become more likely to occur in similar situations, while responses followed by unpleasant outcomes are less likely to be repeated. This principle was established through Thorndike’s experiments with animals, particularly cats, in puzzle boxes. In these experiments, he placed hungry cats inside a box that could be opened through a series of levers and actions. The cats initially struggled to escape, but with repeated trials, they learned to perform the necessary actions more quickly. The more successful behaviors were reinforced by the satisfying outcome of escaping and receiving food, thereby illustrating the law of effect.
This concept has had a profound impact on the fields of psychology and education, influencing the development of operant conditioning. Later, B.F. Skinner expanded upon Thorndike’s ideas by introducing the concept of reinforcement and further exploring how consequences shape behavior. However, it is Thorndike who first articulated the fundamental principle that underlies much of behavioral psychology.
In summary, the law of effect highlights the significance of reinforcement in learning and behavior modification, marking a pivotal shift toward understanding how consequences influence actions, which has since been applied in various areas, including education, therapy, and animal training.