Question

155. Which of the following statements best explains E. L. Thorndike's law of

effect?
(A) Behaviors that are negatively reinforced are more likely to discontinue
than behaviors that are punished.
(B) Receiving reinforcement every time a person performs a good deed,
continuous reinforcement, will increase the likelihood that the person
will continue that behavior.
(C) Th e stimuli of food, water, and sex are innately satisfying and require
no learning.
(D) Behaviors are strengthened by positive consequences and weakened
by negative ones.
(E) Behaviors are reinforced through primary reinforcers.

Answer 1

The law of effect, formulated by E. L. Thorndike, is best summarized as behaviors being more likely to recur if followed by positive consequences and less likely if followed by negative consequences. This principle underlies operant conditioning, explored further by B. F. Skinner, who used reinforcement schedules to shape behavior. The correct option is D.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that best explains E. L. Thorndike's law of effect is (D) Behaviors are strengthened by positive consequences and weakened by negative ones.

Thorndike posited that behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are more likely to be repeated, while those followed by unpleasant consequences are likely to be discontinued. This principle was foundational for B. F. Skinner's work on operant conditioning, where reinforcements and punishments influence the frequency of a behavior.

Skinner further explored this concept by using reinforcement schedules to teach animals and humans. For example, continuous reinforcement occurs when a behavior is reinforced every time it's displayed, leading to quick learning of that behavior.

Over time, the idea of reinforcing desirable behaviors has been applied in various contexts, including education and behavior modification programs. The correct option is D.