Thorndike - Theories of Learning

Summary

The video explores the contributions of Edward Thorndike, a pioneer of behavioral psychology, particularly his experiment with cats escaping a locked box through trial and error. This process, termed connectionism, shows that successful actions are reinforced while unsuccessful ones are diminished. Thorndike emphasized that effective learning involves rewarding successes, and intelligence is linked to the number of learned connections. The narrative includes Thomas Edison's perseverance, illustrating that failure can lead to success through persistent experimentation. The video encourages educators to engage learners in problem-solving by analyzing causes, generating solutions, and applying trial and error.

Takeaways

• 😀 Thorndike is recognized as the first pure behavioral psychologist, contributing foundational research to the field.
• 😀 His most notable experiment involved cats escaping a locked box, illustrating the process of trial and error.
• 😀 Thorndike termed his findings 'connectionism,' emphasizing how rewards influence learning through experiences.
• 😀 Successful escape actions are reinforced (rewarded), while unsuccessful attempts are discouraged (stamped out).
• 😀 Learning effectiveness is tied to how many successful connections can be formed through practice.
• 😀 Intelligence is measured by the number of learned connections and how these connections strengthen with repetition.
• 😀 Delays between actions and outcomes can affect learning and retention of information.
• 😀 The story of Thomas Edison exemplifies perseverance in problem-solving through trial and error, emphasizing that failures are part of the learning process.
• 😀 When instructing others in problem-solving, allow them to define their desired outcomes and explore possible solutions collaboratively.
• 😀 Using trial and error effectively involves testing solutions and analyzing outcomes to find the best approach.

Q & A

Who is regarded as the first pure behavioral psychologist?

Edward L. Thorndike is regarded as the first pure behavioral psychologist.

What was Thorndike's most famous experiment about?

Thorndike's most famous experiment was a study on how cats could escape from a locked box through trial and error.

What term did Thorndike use to describe his process of learning?

Thorndike referred to his process of learning as 'connectionism.'

What are the two types of outcomes that cats experience in Thorndike's experiment?

Cats experience either a rewarding outcome (escape) or a profitless outcome (being trapped).

How does trial and error lead to learning according to Thorndike?

Through trial and error, the number of attempts decreases as the learner identifies which actions lead to rewards and which do not.

What does Thorndike suggest about rewards and responses?

Thorndike suggested that rewarded responses are strengthened, while profitless responses are weakened or stamped out.

What is the significance of Edison's quote about failure?

Edison's quote emphasizes that he didn't fail but rather found many ways that didn't work, illustrating the value of perseverance.

What are some key features to consider when using trial and error?

When using trial and error, it's important to define the desired outcome, investigate root causes, generate possible solutions, and test those solutions.

How can educators apply Thorndike's principles in the classroom?

Educators can apply Thorndike's principles by discussing problems with learners, analyzing causes, generating solutions, and testing them through trial and error.

What does transfer of learning refer to in Thorndike's research?

Transfer of learning refers to the ability to apply learned connections from previously encountered situations to new tasks.