Thorndike effect law what consists, examples and criticisms

Our actions have consequences, but ¿What would happen if they didn't have them? For example, ¿Perhaps we would commit more infractions on public roads if there were no sanctions towards it? ¿We could avoid discussions with certain people who disagree if there were later no consequences? Maybe this is familiar to you since you have once experienced it.

Have information about this topic can provide you with the knowledge you need about this concept. ¿You want to know more about this? In this Psychology-online article, we will give you information about the Thorndike effect law: what consists, examples and criticisms.

1. What is the Thorndike effect law
2. Thorndike's experiment the box-problem
3. Everyday examples of Thorndike's effect
4. Criticism of Thorndike's law

What is the Thorndike effect law

Edward Thorndike was an American psychologist who dedicated himself to studying behavior, both animals and people. Thorndike made special emphasis on the results that gave certain behaviors observed in their studies, so it is One of the greatest references in behavioral psychology. In this article you will see what behaviorism in psychology is.

This researcher proposed the Thorndike effect law, which explains that The behavior can be modified according to the consequences you have. In this sense, it should be noted that the results considered as positive can be implemented as patterns of behaviors sustained over time because of the effects they have. In this way, there will be greater chances that such action will be repeated again.

On the contrary, this law mentions that the possibilities that the same behavior be repeated with negative consequences will be less.

Thorndike's experiment the box-problem

One of the most interest areas for Thorndike was the study of animal behavior. In order to achieve greater livelihood for their theoretical framework, he decided to study the behavior of cats to determine their intelligence.

To do this, he designed an experiment called "box-problem box" that consisted of placing cats inside wood boxes and food dishes out of the reach of these animals. This idea allowed him to observe the different strategies that felines carried out to get out of the boxes and get the food. However, Thorndike put certain obstacles that hindered the animal exit.

After a while after performing this trial, it was concluded that the resolution time of a problem decreased considerably when the animal correctly solved the opening of the door. In this sense, it was proven that the positive results of a behavior determine the possibilities that the behavior in question will be repeated again.

If you want to know more, in this article you will find other interesting psychological experiments explained.

Everyday examples of Thorndike's effect

With the objective of clarifying how the Thorndike effect works, then we will show you everyday examples that are applicable to this principle:

• Example 1: An athlete man decides to run a marathon without having made a previous warming to avoid injuries. However, the day after the marathon is detected in his adductors. Because of these circumstances, from now on, man could decide to make previous warming every time he must run a marathon so as not to have a negative result in his behavior again.
• Example 2: A woman has studied for months to approve an exam to enter a residence. After doing so, he learns that he has passed the test satisfactorily and has been able to achieve his goal. Consequently, in the future it is possible that you spend a lot of study time every time you want to obtain a good qualification in an exam. In these cases, you can consult this article on how to motivate yourself to study.

Criticism of Thorndike's law

Beyond the characteristics of Thorndike's effect, the truth is that he has aroused some opinions contrary to his hypotheses. Next, we will see in detail the most outstanding criticisms:

• Perception of negative results: This principle states that the negative results and their consequences are generalized to all people, without any possible distinction. However, the perception of each person can vary according to the surrounding environment and their own assessment of what happens to it. For example, verbal abuse towards a person is a behavior with negative results but another person could consider that it reinforces positive behavior as a personal improvement.
• Perception of positive results: In tune with the previous point, it cannot be generalized what is meant by a positive result. The perception of each person determines that each associates with each stimulus a certain assessment that can change based on the variables of the environment.
• Experimentation in controlled context: The results visualized by Thorndike's Law have been obtained in controlled places of research as laboratories. However, the possible incidents that the interferences that arise in open environments could have. For example, the experiment of the box-problem could have had other results if the experiment had been carried out with more people, different noises or odors, etc.

This article is merely informative, in psychology-online we have no power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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