What is the main difference between the 'law of effect' and 'operant conditioning'?

The law of effect, proposed by Thorndike, is the foundational idea that consequences shape behaviour. Operant conditioning, developed by B.F. Skinner, is a more comprehensive and systematic theory built upon this principle, detailing schedules of reinforcement and punishment.

Can the law of effect be applied to animal training?

Yes, absolutely. It is the core principle behind using rewards (like treats) to reinforce desired behaviours in animals, making those behaviours more likely to be repeated.

Is the 'law of effect' still accepted in modern psychology?

Its core idea remains influential in behavioural sciences and applied behaviour analysis. However, modern psychology also integrates cognitive perspectives, acknowledging that internal mental processes also influence learning, which was not emphasised in Thorndike's original formulation.

Does the law of effect only work with rewards?

No. Thorndike stated that behaviours followed by satisfying consequences (reinforcement) are strengthened, while those followed by annoying or unpleasant consequences (punishment) are weakened. Both positive and negative outcomes are part of the 'effect'.

law of effect

UK/ˌlɔː əv ɪˈfɛkt/US/ˌlɔ əv əˈfɛkt/ (or /ɪˈfɛkt/)

Academic, technical (psychology, education, behavioural science)

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A principle in psychology stating that behaviours followed by satisfying consequences are more likely to be repeated, while those followed by unpleasant consequences are less likely to be repeated.

In a broader sense, it refers to the foundational idea in operant conditioning that reinforcement shapes behaviour, serving as a cornerstone of behaviourist theory and applied fields like behavioural psychology and education.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

The term is highly specialized and primarily used within psychology and related fields. It is not used figuratively in everyday language. It refers specifically to Edward Thorndike's 1905 proposition.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant lexical differences. Usage is identical in academic contexts.

Connotations

The same technical, historical connotation in both varieties.

Frequency

Used with identical frequency in UK and US academic psychology.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

Thorndike's law of effectpropose the law of effectdemonstrate the law of effect

medium

based on the law of effectillustrate the law of effectfoundation of the law of effect

weak

principle of the laweffect in learningsimple law

Grammar

Valency Patterns

The law of effect [verb: states, suggests, holds] that...According to the law of effect,...[Behaviour] is governed by the law of effect.

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

operant conditioning principle (related, broader)

Neutral

principle of reinforcementThorndike's principle

Weak

behavioural rulecause-and-effect principle in learning

Vocabulary

Antonyms

law of exercise (historical contrast)cognitive learning principlesinsight learning

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Rarely used directly. Implied in 'reward structures' or 'performance incentives'.

Academic

Core term in psychology textbooks, history of psychology, and behavioural science papers.

Everyday

Extremely rare. Would be used only when explaining psychological concepts to a layperson.

Technical

Precise term in behavioural analysis, experimental psychology, and learning theory discussions.

Examples

By CEFR Level

The teacher uses sweets to reward good behaviour. This is like the law of effect.

If you get a good grade after studying, you will study more. This idea is called the law of effect.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of an EFFECT: a good effect (reward) makes you repeat the action; a bad effect (punishment) makes you reject doing it again.

Conceptual Metaphor

LEARNING IS A PATH (reinforcement paves the path for future behaviour).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid translating 'effect' as 'эффект' in the sense of 'special effect' or 'visual effect'. Here it means 'результат, следствие'. The phrase means 'закон результата' or 'закон следствия'.
Do not confuse with 'cause and effect' (причина и следствие), though related conceptually.

Common Mistakes

Using 'law of affect' (incorrect; 'affect' is emotion).
Capitalising it as a proper noun outside of 'Thorndike's law of effect'.
Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to law of effect').

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

In behavioural psychology, the is a fundamental principle stating that rewarded behaviours are more likely to recur.

Multiple Choice

Who is most closely associated with formulating the 'law of effect'?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: The law of effect, proposed by Thorndike, is the foundational idea that consequences shape behaviour. Operant conditioning, developed by B.F. Skinner, is a more comprehensive and systematic theory built upon this principle, detailing schedules of reinforcement and punishment.
: Yes, absolutely. It is the core principle behind using rewards (like treats) to reinforce desired behaviours in animals, making those behaviours more likely to be repeated.
: Its core idea remains influential in behavioural sciences and applied behaviour analysis. However, modern psychology also integrates cognitive perspectives, acknowledging that internal mental processes also influence learning, which was not emphasised in Thorndike's original formulation.
: No. Thorndike stated that behaviours followed by satisfying consequences (reinforcement) are strengthened, while those followed by annoying or unpleasant consequences (punishment) are weakened. Both positive and negative outcomes are part of the 'effect'.