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Trial and Error Learning Theory-1-1

Thorndike draws three laws of learning Law of Readiness Law of Exercise Law of Effect

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80 views8 pages

Trial and Error Learning Theory-1-1

Thorndike draws three laws of learning Law of Readiness Law of Exercise Law of Effect

Uploaded by

shaphiyamalu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Trial and error learning theory

Presented by shaphiya.s.s
Trial and Error Learning Theory
• Thorndike was the son of a minister. He began his studies in Psychology in
Harvard University. He later transferred to Columbia University where he
earned his Ph.D in Psychology in 1898. Thorndike published more than 78
books and at least 400 articles before his death. He was the first to introduce
the concept of reward in learning.
• This theory was profounded by an animation psychologist E.L.Thorndike. It is
known as Association Learning theory or theory of connectionism. Based on
the experience he had with a cat he drew this theory.
• Thorndike conducted an experiment on cat in the puzzle box which is most
popular in psychology of learning. It was a typical trial and error experiment.
Throndike placed a hungry cat in a puzzle box and food was kept outside the
box. The cat had made many trails to pull the latch to come out of the box.
The cat has made several random activities jumping dashing and moving to
get out from the puzzle box.
• The cat would claw, bite and scurry widely about until it accidently touched
the release and cat was freed. The cat took some food which was placed
outside. The cat was again placed in the box. The cat made less trial in
touching the release. This experiment was repeated that in the number of
successive trials the duration was reduced. Eventually the cat would learn
to escape immediately without random actively.
Thorndike draws three laws of learning
1. Laws of Readiness
2. Law of Exercise
3. Law of Effect
Law of Readiness
• Learning requires readiness or preparedness on the part of the learner. If a bond
is ready for its establishment, it has to give satisfaction but not annoyance.
• If one has to learn as action or activity he should be mentally and physically fit
for action he desired. His mental set should have the capacity to do the work.
• A two year boy cannot be admitted in the school since he is not matured
enough. A child of one year cannot speak since his vocal cords, larynx are not
grown enough. Hence maturity is essential.
Law of exercise
• The bond of stimulus and response will get strengthened if it is repeated. It will
lose its strength if the bond is not repeated.
• This law of exercise is also known as the law of use and disuse. This theory lays
stress on learning by doing. The old saying, "practice makes one perfect” is true.
• Various scientific inventions have been made by repeated trials and errors.
Law of Effect
• If the result of the bond created between stimulus and response leads to
happiness it will strengthen the bond, and if the result is contrary the bond will
be weakened.
• A child will be in a happy mood if he finds out correct answers from his
mathematical exercises but will feel unhappy if the answer is wrong.
• If a student passes his examination he will feel happy and sad if he fails.

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