Thorndike's Connectionism Theory

Psychology

1. EDWARD LEE THORNDIKE (1874-1949)

2. American Psychologist Pioneer in Comparative Psychology Ph. D ( Columbia U-1898) “Animal Intelligence: An Experimental Study of the Associative Processes in Animals”

3. “experimental approach is the only way to understand learning”

4. C O NN E C T I O N I S M THEORY

5. Learning is the result of associations forming between STIMULI and RESPONSES (S-R Theory) “ habits” trial and error

6. THREE LAWS OF LEARNING LAW OF READINESS LAW OF EXERCISE LAW OF EFFECT

7. LAW OF READINESS “ Law of Action Tendency” preparation of action

8. PRINCIPLES a. When someone is ready to perform some act, to do so is satisfying. b. When someone is ready to perform some act, not to do so is annoying. c. When someone is not ready to perform some act and is forced to do so, it is annoying.

9. LAW OF EXERCISE two parts: (a) the law of use (stronger) (b) the law of disuse (weaker) “r e p e t i t i o n” “Practice makes perfect”

10. Practice makes ______________, not ________________ UNLESS the task is taught correctly.

11. Revision: Pra c ti c e wit h o u t fe e dba c k do e s not necessarily mean enhance performance Pra c ti c e a l o n e is not enoug h for improvement.

12. LAW OF EFFECT satisfying or annoying strengthened or weakened

13. s Trials Simplified graph of the result of the puzzle box experiment .

14. ADDITIONAL LAWS AND PRINCIPLES OF THORNDIKE'S LEARNING THEORY

15. Multiple response or varied reaction Trial and Error 2. Set or attitude Mind over matter

16. 3. Partial activity or Prepotency of elements essential (get) non-essential (set aside)

17. 4. Law of Response by Analogy “from past to present” 5. Law of Associative Shifting “being capable to response”

18. IMPLICATIONS 1) According to this theory the task can be started from the easier aspect towards its difficult side. This approach will benefit the weaker and backward children. A small child learns some skills through trial and error method only such as sitting, standing, walking, running etc. In teaching also the child rectifies the writing after committing mistakes. In this theory more emphasis has been laid on motivation. Thus, before starting teaching in the classroom the students should be properly motivated.

19. 4. Practice leads a man towards maturity. Practice is the main feature of trial and error method. Practice helps in reducing the errors committed by the child in learning any concept. 5. Habits are formed as a result of repetition. With the help of this theory the wrong habits of the children can be modified and the good habits strengthened. 6. The effects of rewards and punishment also affect the learning of the child. Thus, the theory lays emphasis on the use of reward and punishment in the class by the teacher.

20. 7. The theory may be found quite helpful in changing the behavior of the delinquent children. The teacher should cure such children making use of this theory. 8. With the help of this theory the teacher can control the negative emotions of the children such as anger, jealousy etc. 9. The teacher can improve his teaching methods making use of this theory. He must observe the effects of his teaching methods on the students and should not hesitate to make necessary changes in them, if required. 10. The theory pays more emphasis on oral drill work. Thus, a teacher should conduct oral drill of the taught contents. This help in strengthening the learning more.

21. MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS

22. Edward Thorndike published about 500 books and articles as learning in fish, methods of statistical analysis and the elements of aesthetic quality in urban life. He studied animal intelligence... known for his 'cats in a puzzle box' experiments on Trial and Error. He applied animal to human educational experience; he was once the leader in this field.