THORNDIKE’S THEORY

OF CONNECTIONISM
Connectionism is an approach to the study of human
cognition that utilizes mathematical models also
known as connectionist networks or artificial neural.

A stimulus is a thing or occurrence that brings

about a result while a response is a result or
outcome.
Thorndike’s theory of connectionism corresponds to
trial and error learning and S-R reinforcement theory
which assumes that through conditioning specific
responses came to be linked with specific stimuli. The
chief way to effect S-R connection is through trial and
error. He maintained that learning is the stamping in
of the correct responses and stamping out of the
incorrect responses.
Thorndike’s experiment
 A hungry cat was put in a cage which could be opened by
pulling a loop of string hanging inside. Outside the cage was put
a piece of fish. The cat indulged in a number of random
activities such as clawing at the bars, scratching the cage,
walking around and pushing the bars, in order to get out of the
cage.
 After several such trial and error activities, that cat ultimately
succeeded in pulling the loop of string and getting out of the
cage. On subsequent trials, the cat took shorter and shorter
periods of time, and committed less and less number of errors.
Finally, it learnt to come out easily by pulling the loop of string.
 The Three Laws
of Thorndike’s Theory
LAW OF READINESS
LAW OF EXERCISE
 LAW OF EXERCISE

Law of Use Law of Disuse

- When a modifiable
connection is made - When a modifiable
between a situation and connection is not made
response that between a situation and
connection’s strength is, response, during a length
the other things being of time, that connection’s
equal, increased. strength is decreased.
LAW OF EFFECT
Implications to Education
The law of effect has called attention to the
importance of motivation and reinforcement
in learning.
More and more opportunities should be
provided for the student to use and repeat
the experience they get in the classroom.
 REFERENCES
Centreforelites, Centreforelites, & Centreforelites,.(2023, July 1). THE THORNDIKE’S
THEORY OF CONNECTIONISM. Support Centre Center for Elites-Online Assistance You
Deserve. https://support.centreforelites.com/en/the-thorndikes-theory-of-connectionism/

Connectionism (Edward Thorndike)- InstructionalDesign.org.(2018, November

30).InstructionalDesign.org.
https://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/connectionism

Psychology,p. 92022, july 11). Thorndike’s Stimulus Response Theory of Learning 9Definition +
Examples0. Practical Psychology. https://practicalpie.com/stimulus-response-
theory/#What_Is_Thorndikes_Stimulus_Response_Theory_of_Learning

1.6 edwardI. Thorndike connectionisl theory. (n.d). PPT.

htpps://www.slideshare.net/vanmartija/16-edward-I-thorndike-connectionism-theory

https://www.studocu.com/in/document/kannur-university/psychology-of-learning-and-teaching/thorndi
kes-theory-of-connectionism/33884273
THANK YOU
FOR
LISTENING
ROSALIE CABUANG