Edward Thorndike – The Law of Effect

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Edward Thorndike (1874–1949) was a pioneering psychologist whose work laid the foundation for modern behavioral psychology. His most influential contribution, the Law of Effect, states that behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are more likely to be repeated, while those followed by discomfort are less likely to occur again.

Thorndike demonstrated this principle through his famous puzzle box experiments, in which cats learned to escape confinement more quickly over time through trial-and-error learning. Rather than insight, Thorndike emphasized gradual learning shaped by consequences.

This work directly influenced operant conditioning, later expanded by B.F. Skinner, and remains central in education, behavior modification, and therapy.

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Application:

The Law of Effect is widely used in classroom reinforcement systems, behavioral therapy (e.g., ABA), and habit formation strategies. Clinicians frequently apply reinforcement principles to increase adaptive behaviors in clients.

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APA References

Thorndike, E. L. (1898). Animal intelligence: An experimental study of the associative processes in animals. Psychological Review Monograph Supplements, 2(4).

Thorndike, E. L. (1911). Animal intelligence. Macmillan.

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