Thorndike's Law of Effect

Definition

Thorndike's Law of Effect states that behaviors followed by satisfying consequences tend to be repeated, while behaviors followed by unsatisfying consequences are less likely to occur again. It emphasizes the role of consequences in shaping behavior.

Related terms

Instrumental Learning: Instrumental learning is another term for operant conditioning, emphasizing how voluntary actions are instrumental in obtaining desired outcomes or avoiding aversive ones.

Behaviorism:

Behaviorism is a psychological approach that focuses on studying observable behavior rather than internal mental processes or subjective experiences.

Consequences: Consequences refer to the effects or outcomes following a particular behavior. They can be positive (rewards), negative (punishments), or neutral, influencing whether a behavior will be repeated or not based on its outcome.