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2 Connectionism

Edward Thorndike proposed the theory of connectionism, which states that learning occurs through the formation of associations between stimuli and responses through trial and error. His famous experiments with cats in puzzle boxes demonstrated that animals learn incrementally rather than through insight. Thorndike's three laws of learning are the Law of Readiness, the Law of Exercise, and the Law of Effect. Connectionism laid the foundation for modern educational philosophy by establishing learning as an experimental science.

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717 views9 pages

2 Connectionism

Edward Thorndike proposed the theory of connectionism, which states that learning occurs through the formation of associations between stimuli and responses through trial and error. His famous experiments with cats in puzzle boxes demonstrated that animals learn incrementally rather than through insight. Thorndike's three laws of learning are the Law of Readiness, the Law of Exercise, and the Law of Effect. Connectionism laid the foundation for modern educational philosophy by establishing learning as an experimental science.

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ANDREA MAY DEBIL
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CONNECTIONISM

A learning theory of Edward Thorndike


Edward Thorndike (1874-1949)
◦ an American psychologist whose work on
comparative psychology and the learning
process led to the theory of connectionism
and helped lay the scientific foundation for
educational philosophy.
◦ was awarded the doctorate for his thesis,
"Animal Intelligence: An Experimental Study of
the Associative Processes in Animals", in which
he concluded that an experimental approach
is the only way to understand learning and
established his famous "Law of Effect.”
◦ one of the first pioneers of active learning.
Connectionism
◦ is a learning theory which states that all mental processes can be
described as the operation of inherited or acquired bonds
between stimulus and response, also known as the S-R Bond.
◦ the most basic form of learning is trial and error.
◦ Thorndike’s experiment: Cat in Puzzle-boxes.
◦ the most basic form of learning is trial and error learning
◦ learning is incremental not insightful
◦ learning is not mediated by ideas
◦ learning is the result of formation of connections
◦ it has three primary laws: a.) Law of Readiness, b.) Law of Exercise,
and c.) Law of Effect
Law of Readiness
◦ it states that, the more readiness the learner has to respond to
the stimulus, the stronger will be the bond between them.
◦ one learns only when he is physically and mentally ready for it. If
one is not prepared to learn, learning cannot be automatically
instilled in him.
Law of Exercise
◦ it states that, the more the practice of a certain behavior, the
more it will be strengthened.
◦ “Practice makes perfect.”
◦ the more the S-R bond is practiced, the stronger it will become.
◦ connections become strengthened with practice, and weaken
when practice is discontinued.
a. Law of use
b. Law of disuse
Law of Effect
◦ it states that, responses which occur just prior to a satisfying
state of affairs are more likely to be repeated, and responses just
prior to an annoying state of affairs are more likely NOT to be
repeated.
◦ this law is based on the feelings of the learner.
Additional laws and principles
◦ Multiple Response: in any given situation, the organism will respond in a
variety of ways if the first response does not immediately lead to a more
satisfying state of affairs.
◦ Set or Attitude: What the learner already possesses, like prior learning
experiences, present state of the learner, etc., while it begins learning a
new task
◦ Pre-potency of Elements: Thorndike observed that a learner could filter
out irrelevant aspects of a situation and respond only to significant
(proponent) elements in a problem situation.
◦ Response by Analogy: New problems are solved by using solution
techniques employed to solve analogous problems
◦ Associative shifting -: Let stimulus S be paired with response R. Now, if
stimulus Q is presented simultaneously with stimulus S repeatedly, then
stimulus Q is likely to get paired with response R.
◦ Belongingness: a connection between two units or ideas is more
readily established if the subject perceives the two as belonging
or going together.
◦ Associative Polarity: connections act more easily in the direction
in which they were formed than in the opposite direction.
◦ Stimulus Identifiability: a situation is easy to connect to a
response to the extent that the situation is identifiable, distinctive,
and distinguishable from others in a learning series.
◦ Response Availability: the ease of forming connections is directly
proportional to the ease with which the response required by the
situation is summoned or executed.
Educational Implications
◦ Connectionism was meant to be a general theory of learning for
animals and humans. Thorndike was especially interested in the
application of his theory to education including mathematics,
spelling and reading, measurement of intelligence, and adult
learning.
◦ Students are more likely to learn if they are ready and it brings
better results in learning.
◦ 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 are strengthened.

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