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Question

Thorndike's Trial and error learning is limited because it:

This question was previously asked in
UPTET 2026 Paper 2 Social Studies Question Paper (3-Jul-2026) (Shift 1)
The correct answer is

Ignores cognition

Edward Thorndike's trial and error theory explains learning purely in terms of stimulus-response connections strengthened or weakened through the law of effect, based on repeated attempts and observable outcomes.

This behaviourist framework does not account for internal mental processes such as thinking, understanding, or reasoning, meaning it ignores cognition entirely.

It is unrelated to the Zone of Proximal Development, a Vygotskian concept, and it does not encourage insight or abstraction, which are hallmarks of cognitive learning theories like Gestalt psychology.

Therefore, trial and error learning is limited because it ignores cognition.

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Similar Questions

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Important Questions from Theories & Concepts of Behaviorism

  1. Identify among the following the contribution of behaviourism
    A) Objective observation
    B) Introspection
    C) Role of environment in shaping behaviour
    D) Use of reinforcement and rewards
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  2. Which of the following are innate behaviours :
    (a) Reflexes
    (b) Taxes
    (c) Fixed Action Patterns
    (d) Genotype
    Codes :
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  4. Which of the following is not a practice of a behaviouristic teacher?
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