The Law Of Effect (Explained in 3 Minutes)

The law of effect, proposed by psychologist Edward Thorndike, is a principle of learning that states behaviors followed by satisfying or favorable outcomes are more likely to be repeated, while behaviors followed by unpleasant or unfavorable outcomes are less likely to recur. This idea is foundational to the understanding of operant conditioning, where consequences shape behavior. Thorndike observed this principle through his experiments with animals, such as cats learning to escape from puzzle boxes more quickly after discovering actions that led to their release.

This principle has significant applications in psychology and education. It explains how reinforcement strengthens behaviors, forming the basis for reward-based learning systems. For example, a student praised for completing homework is more likely to continue doing so, while a student who faces negative consequences for being disruptive may reduce such behavior. The law of effect underscores the importance of consequences in shaping actions, providing a framework for understanding how habits and patterns develop over time.