According to the law of effect, Thorndike's cats learned to escape the puzzle box because they:
A) learned the correct sequence of responses that led to a desirable outcome.
B) instinctively knew how to escape.
C) acquired an understanding of what they needed to do in order to escape.
D) learned the correct sequence of responses by watching other cats escape from similar boxes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Thorndike's law of effect states that behaviors followed by satisfying consequences tend to be repeated, while those that produce unpleasant consequences are less likely to be repeated. In his experiments with cats in puzzle boxes, the cats learned to escape by trial and error, eventually discovering the correct sequence of responses that led to the desirable outcome of escaping and receiving food. This learning process is based on the consequences of their actions rather than instinct, understanding, or observation of others.

According to the Law of Effect, Thorndike's Cats Learned to Escape