Which of the following are the primary laws of learning? A. Law of exercise B. Law of partial activity C. Law of readiness D. Law of associative shifting E. Law of effect Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
A, C and E only
Understanding the Primary Laws of Learning
The question asks us to identify the primary laws of learning from the given list of options. These laws were formulated by Edward Thorndike, a prominent psychologist who studied how animals and humans learn. Thorndike's work laid the foundation for connectionism and instrumental conditioning.
Thorndike proposed several laws of learning, which he later refined. He categorized them into primary laws and secondary (or minor/derived) laws. Let's examine each option provided:
- A. Law of exercise: This is one of Thorndike's primary laws. It states that the more often an association (connection) between a stimulus and a response is used, the stronger that connection becomes. Conversely, disuse weakens the connection. It involves two sub-laws: the Law of Use and the Law of Disuse.
- B. Law of partial activity: This is considered one of Thorndike's secondary or minor laws. It describes the tendency for parts of a situation to become connected to a response, rather than the whole situation. Learners might respond to specific elements within a complex environment.
- C. Law of readiness: This is another primary law. It states that learning is most effective when the learner is 'ready' or prepared to learn. Readiness can refer to physiological and psychological factors. When a person is ready to act, acting is satisfying, and not acting is annoying. When a person is not ready to act, being forced to act is annoying.
- D. Law of associative shifting: This is also a secondary or minor law. It explains how a response initially linked to one stimulus can become associated with a different stimulus over time, through gradual changes in the stimulus presentation. This concept is related to classical conditioning principles.
- E. Law of effect: This is arguably the most famous of Thorndike's primary laws. It states that responses followed by satisfying consequences (rewards) are more likely to be repeated, while responses followed by annoying consequences (punishments) are less likely to be repeated. This law highlights the importance of reinforcement in learning.
Based on the analysis, the primary laws of learning proposed by Thorndike from the given list are the Law of exercise (A), the Law of readiness (C), and the Law of effect (E).
Therefore, the correct combination of primary laws is A, C, and E.
Let's look at the options provided:
- A, B and D only (Includes secondary laws B and D, excludes primary law C and E)
- A, C and E only (Includes all three primary laws A, C, and E)
- B, D and E only (Includes secondary laws B and D, includes primary law E, excludes primary laws A and C)
- A, B, C and D only (Includes primary laws A and C, includes secondary laws B and D, excludes primary law E)
Option 2 correctly identifies A, C, and E as the primary laws of learning.
Revision Table: Thorndike's Laws
| Law Type | Law Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Law of Readiness | Learning is easier and more satisfying when the learner is ready. |
| Primary | Law of Exercise | Connections are strengthened with practice (use) and weakened with disuse. |
| Primary | Law of Effect | Responses followed by pleasant consequences are strengthened; those followed by unpleasant consequences are weakened. |
| Secondary | Law of Partial Activity | Specific aspects of a situation can become connected to a response. |
| Secondary | Law of Associative Shifting | A response can be shifted from one stimulus to another through gradual changes. |
| Secondary | Law of Multiple Response | A learner tries multiple responses until one works in a new situation. |
| Secondary | Law of Set or Attitude | Learning is influenced by the learner's attitude, mindset, or predisposition. |
| Secondary | Law of Response by Analogy | Learners respond to new situations based on responses that worked in similar past situations. |
Additional Information: Edward Thorndike's Theory
Edward Thorndike (1874-1949) was an American psychologist known for his work on learning theory and educational psychology. His theory, often called connectionism, proposes that learning involves forming connections between sensory experiences (stimuli) and neural impulses (responses). These connections are strengthened or weakened based on the consequences.
Thorndike's research often involved experiments with animals, such as placing cats in puzzle boxes. He observed that cats initially tried various random behaviors to escape. Through trial and error, they would eventually perform the correct action (e.g., pulling a string) that opened the box. When placed in the box again, they would repeat the successful behavior more quickly. This observation led to the formulation of the Law of Effect.
His laws of learning, both primary and secondary, provided a foundational understanding of how learning occurs through the formation and modification of stimulus-response connections. His work significantly influenced subsequent behaviorist theories, including B.F. Skinner's operant conditioning.
Important Questions from Individual differences in Learning
Individualisation of instructions is
Achievement-based curriculum caters to
(a) special needs of the students
(b) high expectations of the students
(c) legislative mandate on education
(d) early detection of difficulties in learning
Select the correct option :
Assertion (A) : The extent to which the needs of all the students in a class are met with is often not viewed as an important determinate of quality programme.
Reason (R) : A model consistent with the concept of individualised instructions and accountability is the achievement-based curriculum model.
Select the correct option :
Match List I with List II:
List I
List II
(Learner attributes) (Meaning) (A)
Problem-solving (I)
The ability to reflect upon the meaning and analysing the facts (B)
Creative thinking (II)
The ability to address a problem for a successful outcome (C)
Critical thinking (III)
The ability to look at things differently and find new ways of solving problems (D)
Decision making (IV)
The ability to select a course of action which would lead to the desired outcome Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
What are the learning styles according to Fleming's VARK model of learning?
