Edward Lee Thorndike

Definition

Edward Lee Thorndike was an American psychologist who is best known for his work on learning theory. He proposed the Law of Effect, which states that behaviors followed by positive outcomes are likely to be repeated, while those followed by negative outcomes are less likely to be repeated.

Analogy

Think of Thorndike as a chef experimenting with different recipes. If a dish gets rave reviews (positive outcome), he's more likely to make it again. But if a dish doesn't go over well (negative outcome), he'll probably take it off the menu.

Related terms

Operant Conditioning: A type of learning where behavior is controlled by consequences. Key concepts in operant conditioning are positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment and negative punishment.

Behaviorism: A theoretical perspective in psychology that emphasizes the study of observable behaviors, especially as they pertain to the process of learning.

Reinforcement: In operant conditioning, any event that strengthens or increases the behavior it follows.