E.L. Thorndike

Definition

Edward Lee Thorndike was an American psychologist who developed the law of effect, which states that behaviors followed by pleasant outcomes are likely to be repeated, while those followed by unpleasant outcomes are not.

Related terms

Connectionism Theory: A theory proposed by Thorndike stating that learning was based upon connections between situations and responses.

Trial-and-Error Learning: A method of problem solving characterized by repeated, varied attempts which continue until success, or until one stops trying - another concept introduced by Thorndike.

Instrumental Learning: Another term for operant conditioning, often used in reference to Thorndike's work.