Connectionism Theory

Facilitating Learning

1. CONNECTIONISM THEORY Presented by: Martin Jon E. Barnachia

2. Edward Lee Thorndike Born August 31, 1874, Williamsburg, Massachusetts Died August 9, 1949, Montrose, New York Graduated from Wesleyan University in 1895 Studied Animal Behavior with William James at Harvard University (1895-1897) Received his Ph.D. at Columbia University (1898) 1911 – published his doctoral dissertation on Animal Intelligence (law of effect and exercise)

3. Edward Thorndike Connectionism theory gave us the original S-R framework of behavioral psychology. He explained that learning is the result of associations forming between stimuli and responses. The model for S-R theory was trial and error learning in which certain responses came to be repeated than others because of rewards.

4. Thorndike’s theory on connectionism stated that learning has taken place when a strong connection or bond between stimulus and response is formed. He came up with three primary laws: Law of Effect Law of Exercise Law of Readiness

5. Law of Effect The law of effect stated that a connection between a stimulus and response is strengthened when the consequence is positive (reward) and the connection between the stimulus and the response is weakened when the consequence is negative.

6. Law of Exercise The more an S-R bond is practiced, the stronger it will become. “Practice makes perfect” seem to be associated with this. However, the law of exercise had to be revised when Thorndike found that practice without feedback does not necessarily enhance performance.

7. Law of Readiness This states that the more readiness the learner has to respond to the stimulus, the stronger will be the bond between them. When a person is ready to respond to a stimulus and is not made to respond, it becomes annoying to the person.

8. Principles Derived from Thorndike’s Connectionism Learning requires both practice and rewards (laws of effect/ exercise) A series of S-R connections can be chained together if they belong to the same action sequence (law of readiness) Transfer of learning occurs because of previously encountered situations Intelligence is a function of the number of connections learned.