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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
    Choose the correct answer:
  2. Kiran was a very reluctant kid who never followed any instructions. With all patience the teacher rewarded his every small behaviour indicating willingness and changed his behaviour so that he participates enthusiastically. Teacher here used the technique of
  3. Which of the following is not a practice of a behaviouristic teacher?
  4. The following two are the major contributions of Thorndike's doctrine in the field of Psychology. 

    A. Associative shifting 

    B. Law of similarity 

    C. Law of effect 

    D. Extinction 

    Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

  5. Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). 

    Assertion (A): Classical conditioning is faster when UCS is presented immediately after CS rather than before. 

    Reason (R): According to cognitive perspective, classical conditioning occurs because CS provides expectancy about the coming of UCS. 

    In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

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