Arranging Learning Theorists by Contribution

The question asks us to arrange several prominent theorists based on the ascending order of their contribution to the theories of learning. This typically refers to the chronological order in which their major ideas and contributions emerged and influenced the field of psychology, specifically learning theory.

Key Learning Theorists and Their Contributions

Let's look at the theorists listed and their significant contributions to understanding learning:

• A. E.L. Thorndike: Known for his work on the Law of Effect and instrumental conditioning, based on experiments with cats in puzzle boxes. His work laid foundational principles for operant conditioning.
• B. Ivan P. Pavlov: Famous for his experiments on classical conditioning with dogs. His work demonstrated how an organism can learn to associate a neutral stimulus with a meaningful one, leading to a conditioned response.
• C. Albert Bandura: Developed the Social Learning Theory, emphasizing observational learning, imitation, and modeling. His work highlights the role of cognitive processes in learning, moving beyond traditional behaviourism.
• D. Clark Hull: Proposed a systematic mathematical-deductive theory of learning based on drive reduction. He attempted to create universal laws of behaviour using precise quantitative methods.
• E. Edward C. Tolman: Known for purposive behaviorism and concepts like cognitive maps and latent learning. He argued that learning could occur without immediate reinforcement and involved the acquisition of knowledge about the environment.

Historical Order of Contribution

To arrange them in ascending order of contribution, we consider the approximate time periods of their major influences:

1. Ivan P. Pavlov (B): His pioneering work on classical conditioning became widely influential in the early 20th century.
2. E.L. Thorndike (A): His Law of Effect and studies on instrumental learning were also prominent in the early 20th century, roughly concurrent with or slightly after Pavlov's initial impact on conditioning principles.
3. Edward C. Tolman (E): His significant contributions to purposive behaviorism and cognitive maps emerged in the mid-20th century, challenging strict stimulus-response models by incorporating cognitive elements.
4. Clark Hull (D): His systematic drive-reduction theory also gained prominence in the mid-20th century, offering a different, more mathematical approach to understanding learning than Tolman's. Hull and Tolman were major figures in the neobehaviorist era.
5. Albert Bandura (C): His development of Social Learning Theory took place from the late 20th century onwards, representing a significant shift towards cognitive and social aspects of learning, distinct from earlier behaviourist approaches.

Based on this historical progression, the ascending order of contribution of these learning theorists is Pavlov, Thorndike, Tolman, Hull, and Bandura.

Final Arrangement

Mapping the names back to their letters:

• Pavlov: B
• Thorndike: A
• Tolman: E
• Hull: D
• Bandura: C

The ascending order is therefore B, A, E, D, C.

The correct sequence reflecting the ascending order of their major contribution to learning theories is B, A, E, D, C.

Revision Table: Learning Theorists & Theories

Additional Information on Schools of Thought in Learning

The learning theorists discussed represent different waves and schools of thought within psychology, primarily focused on how learning occurs:

• Behaviorism: Pavlov and Thorndike are considered pioneers of early behaviorism. This school focused on observable behaviour and the environmental stimuli and consequences that shape it. Learning was viewed as forming associations between stimuli and responses.
• Neobehaviorism: Theorists like Tolman and Hull represent neobehaviorism, which emerged in the mid-20th century. While still rooted in empirical observation, they attempted to develop more complex and comprehensive theories that could account for internal states (like drives, cognitive maps) or use rigorous mathematical models, moving beyond simple S-R links.
• Social Cognitive Theory: Albert Bandura's work moved significantly away from traditional behaviorism. Social Cognitive Theory emphasizes the interaction between cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors (reciprocal determinism). It highlights learning through observation and the role of mental processes such as attention, memory, and motivation.

Understanding these schools helps place the contribution of each theorist in the broader history of psychological thought on learning.