Question

The term Trial and Error is closely associated with:

• A. Humanism
• B. Naturalism
• C. Behaviourism
• D. Pragmatism

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Behaviourism

Trial and Error Theory of Learning

• Key Proponent: The Trial and Error Theory of Learning was formulated by the famous American psychologist Edward Lee Thorndike (E.L. Thorndike), who is widely regarded as the 'Father of Modern Educational Psychology'.

• School of Psychology: This theory falls firmly under Behaviourism (specifically Connectionism / S-R Bond Theory), which focuses on establishing connections between a Stimulus (S) and a Response (R) through repeated actions and reinforcement.

• Famous Experiment: Thorndike demonstrated this theory using a hungry cat placed inside a specially designed Puzzle Box with a piece of fish kept outside as the stimulus. Through random trials, accidental success, and subsequent repetitions, erroneous movements were gradually eliminated and correct responses were reinforced.

Primary Laws of Learning Formulated by Thorndike

• Law of Readiness: Learning takes place effectively only when the learner is physically and mentally prepared to act.

• Law of Exercise: Divided into two sub-laws:

  • Law of Use: Connections strengthen when practiced repeatedly.

  • Law of Disuse: Connections weaken when practice is discontinued.

• Law of Effect: Responses followed by satisfying results (rewards) are strengthened, while responses followed by discomfort or dissatisfaction are weakened. This law served as the foundation for B.F. Skinner's Operant Conditioning.