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Thorndike's theory of connectionism posits that learning is achieved through the formation of stimulus-response associations, rather than through sudden insight.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's theory of connectionism posits that learning is achieved through the formation of stimulus-response associations, not through sudden insight.
The law of effect posits that behaviors followed by annoying consequences are weakened and less likely to recur.
Answer: True
Explanation: The law of effect posits that behaviors followed by annoying consequences are weakened and less likely to recur.
Thorndike's 'law of exercise' proposed that unused associations weaken over time.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's 'law of exercise' proposed that unused associations weaken over time.
Thorndike later revised his laws, abandoning the law of exercise and concluding that positive reinforcement was more effective than punishment.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike later revised his laws, abandoning the law of exercise and concluding that positive reinforcement was more effective than punishment.
Thorndike's 'law of recency' posits that in a learning situation, the response most likely to be repeated is the one most recently performed.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's 'law of recency' posits that in a learning situation, the response most likely to be repeated is the one most recently performed.
Thorndike's 'law of readiness' suggests that learning is most effective when the learner is prepared and ready to engage with the material.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's 'law of readiness' suggests that learning is most effective when the learner is prepared and ready to engage with the material.
Thorndike's connectionism suggests that the outcome of a behavior significantly impacts its future occurrence.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's connectionism suggests that the outcome of a behavior significantly impacts its future occurrence.
Thorndike's revised laws indicated that positive reinforcement was more effective than punishment for shaping behavior.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's revised laws indicated that positive reinforcement was more effective than punishment for shaping behavior.
Thorndike's 'law of effect' was modified, not entirely abandoned, and its core principles remained influential.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's 'law of effect' was modified, not entirely abandoned, and its core principles remained influential.
Thorndike later revised his laws, finding the 'law of exercise' less effective than the 'law of effect' in explaining learning.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike later revised his laws, finding the 'law of exercise' less effective than the 'law of effect' in explaining learning.
Thorndike's 'law of availability' relates to the ease with which a response can be performed or elicited.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's 'law of availability' relates to the ease with which a response can be performed or elicited.
Thorndike's 'law of effect' was primarily concerned with the role of satisfying consequences in strengthening behavior, not solely punishment.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's 'law of effect' was primarily concerned with the role of satisfying consequences in strengthening behavior, not solely punishment.
Thorndike's 'law of use' stated that frequently used associations become stronger.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's 'law of use' stated that frequently used associations become stronger.
Thorndike's connectionism is primarily focused on the formation of associations between stimuli and responses, not directly on cognitive processes like memory and problem-solving.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's connectionism is primarily focused on the formation of associations between stimuli and responses, not directly on cognitive processes like memory and problem-solving.
Thorndike's 'law of readiness' implies that forcing a learner to perform an action they are not ready for leads to annoyance, not satisfaction.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's 'law of readiness' implies that forcing a learner to perform an action they are not ready for leads to annoyance, not satisfaction.
According to Thorndike's 'law of effect', behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are strengthened and become more likely to recur.
Answer: True
Explanation: According to Thorndike's 'law of effect', behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are strengthened and become more likely to recur.
Thorndike's 'law of exercise' comprised two components. What were they?
Answer: Law of use and law of disuse.
Explanation: Thorndike's 'law of exercise' comprised two components: the law of use and the law of disuse.
How did Thorndike revise his initial laws of learning later in his career?
Answer: He abandoned the law of exercise and found positive reinforcement more effective than punishment.
Explanation: Thorndike revised his laws by abandoning the law of exercise and concluding that positive reinforcement was more effective than punishment.
Thorndike's 'law of readiness' suggests that learning is facilitated when:
Answer: A response is ready to occur, and acting on it is satisfying.
Explanation: Thorndike's 'law of readiness' suggests that learning is facilitated when a response is ready to occur and acting on it is satisfying.
Thorndike's 'law of exercise' was later revised or abandoned due to which primary reason?
Answer: Practice alone did not necessarily strengthen associations.
Explanation: The 'law of exercise' was revised or abandoned because Thorndike found that practice alone did not necessarily strengthen associations.
Thorndike's concept of 'associative shifting' refers to the process of:
Answer: Gradually changing the response associated with a stimulus.
Explanation: Thorndike's concept of 'associative shifting' refers to the process of gradually changing the response associated with a stimulus.
Which of the following represents a significant criticism leveled against Thorndike's connectionist theory?
Answer: It was considered overly simplistic and reductionistic.
Explanation: A significant criticism of Thorndike's connectionist theory was that it was considered overly simplistic and reductionistic.
Thorndike's 'law of recency' suggests that in a learning situation, the response most likely to be repeated is the one that was:
Answer: Most recently performed.
Explanation: Thorndike's 'law of recency' suggests the response most likely to be repeated is the one most recently performed.
Thorndike's 'law of effect' faced criticism for several reasons, including:
Answer: The retroactive nature of consequences and philosophical implications.
Explanation: Criticisms of Thorndike's 'law of effect' included the retroactive nature of consequences and philosophical implications.
Thorndike's 'law of availability' pertains to:
Answer: The ease with which a response can be performed.
Explanation: Thorndike's 'law of availability' pertains to the ease with which a response can be performed.
Thorndike's 'law of effect' was later modified by Thorndike himself, who concluded that:
Answer: Positive reinforcement was more effective than punishment.
Explanation: Thorndike concluded that positive reinforcement was more effective than punishment when modifying his 'law of effect'.
Thorndike's theory of connectionism posits that learning occurs through the formation of associations between:
Answer: Stimuli and responses.
Explanation: Thorndike's theory of connectionism posits that learning occurs through the formation of associations between stimuli and responses.
The 'law of disuse,' a component of Thorndike's 'law of exercise', proposed that:
Answer: Unused associations become weaker.
Explanation: The 'law of disuse' proposed that unused associations become weaker.
Thorndike's 'law of effect' suggests that the outcome of a behavior is crucial in shaping:
Answer: Future actions and responses.
Explanation: Thorndike's 'law of effect' suggests that the outcome of a behavior is crucial in shaping future actions and responses.
Thorndike's revised view on the law of effect indicated that positive reinforcement was more effective than punishment for:
Answer: Shaping future behavior.
Explanation: Thorndike's revised view indicated positive reinforcement was more effective than punishment for shaping future behavior.
Edward Thorndike's doctoral dissertation represented the inaugural study in psychology to employ non-human subjects for experimental investigation.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's doctoral dissertation, completed in 1898, was the first in psychology to employ non-human subjects for experimental research, establishing a precedent for comparative psychology.
Thorndike's puzzle boxes were small, enclosed apparatuses designed for animal participants to solve escape mechanisms, not for human participants solving logical problems.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's puzzle boxes were small, enclosed apparatuses designed for animal participants to solve escape mechanisms, not for human participants solving logical problems.
Thorndike's research on learning curves indicated that animals learned gradually through trial and error, rather than through sudden insight.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's research on learning curves indicated that animals learned gradually through trial and error, rather than through sudden insight.
Thorndike's research in comparative psychology was primarily conducted using animals such as cats and chickens, not primates.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's research in comparative psychology was primarily conducted using animals such as cats and chickens, not primates.
Thorndike's puzzle box experiments demonstrated that animals learned to escape through gradual trial and error, not sudden insight.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's puzzle box experiments demonstrated that animals learned to escape through gradual trial and error, not sudden insight.
Thorndike's puzzle box experiments showed that cats learned to escape through gradual trial and error, not sudden insight.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's puzzle box experiments showed that cats learned to escape through gradual trial and error, not sudden insight.
What was the primary focus of Edward Thorndike's doctoral dissertation research?
Answer: An experimental study of associative processes in animals.
Explanation: Thorndike's doctoral dissertation focused on an experimental study of associative processes in animals.
What did Thorndike's experiments with cats in puzzle boxes primarily demonstrate regarding their learning process?
Answer: Learning was a gradual process of trial and error.
Explanation: Thorndike's experiments with cats in puzzle boxes primarily demonstrated that their learning process was gradual and occurred through trial and error.
What specific type of apparatus did Thorndike employ in his experiments on animal intelligence?
Answer: Puzzle boxes with escape mechanisms
Explanation: Thorndike employed puzzle boxes with escape mechanisms in his experiments on animal intelligence.
How did Thorndike's puzzle box experiments diverge from theories that emphasized sudden insight learning?
Answer: They demonstrated gradual learning through trial and error, not sudden insight.
Explanation: Thorndike's puzzle box experiments diverged from insight learning theories by demonstrating gradual learning through trial and error.
What was the significance of Thorndike's dissertation being the first to employ non-human subjects?
Answer: It established a precedent for experimental psychology research using animals.
Explanation: Thorndike's dissertation established a precedent for experimental psychology research using animals.
Thorndike's research on learning curves indicated that animals learned gradually through:
Answer: Trial and error.
Explanation: Thorndike's research indicated that animals learned gradually through trial and error.
Edward Thorndike posited that learning ability begins to decline significantly after the age of 21.
Answer: False
Explanation: Thorndike's research indicated that learning ability remained relatively stable until approximately age 35, after which a gradual decline was observed.
Edward Thorndike identified abstract, mechanical, and social intelligence as the three primary classifications of intelligence.
Answer: True
Explanation: Edward Thorndike identified abstract, mechanical, and social intelligence as the three primary classifications of human intelligence.
Thorndike's work on the Army Beta test was intended to assess the cognitive abilities of illiterate or non-English speaking recruits.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's work on the Army Beta test was intended to assess the cognitive abilities of illiterate or non-English speaking recruits.
Thorndike's research contributed to psychometrics, notably through his 1904 publication on mental and social measurements.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's research contributed to psychometrics, notably through his 1904 publication on mental and social measurements.
Thorndike believed gender differences in behavior were primarily attributable to innate instincts and biological factors, not solely cultural conditioning.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike believed gender differences in behavior were primarily attributable to innate instincts and biological factors, not solely cultural conditioning.
Thorndike's concept of 'prepotency of elements' refers to a learner's ability to focus on significant aspects of a problem while disregarding irrelevant details.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's concept of 'prepotency of elements' refers to a learner's ability to focus on significant aspects of a problem while disregarding irrelevant details.
Thorndike's research on mental fatigue focused on the impact of mental exertion on cognitive performance.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's research on mental fatigue focused on the impact of mental exertion on cognitive performance.
Thorndike's view on the 'teachable age' suggested learning ability remained stable until approximately age 35, not a sharp drop after age 30.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's view on the 'teachable age' suggested learning ability remained stable until approximately age 35, not a sharp drop after age 30.
Thorndike's work on psychometrics primarily involved establishing methods for the scientific measurement of psychological attributes, not developing projective personality tests.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's work on psychometrics primarily involved establishing methods for the scientific measurement of psychological attributes, not developing projective personality tests.
Thorndike believed that innate instincts played a significant role in explaining gender differences in behavior.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike believed that innate instincts played a significant role in explaining gender differences in behavior.
Which of the following was NOT one of the three types of intelligence identified by Edward Thorndike?
Answer: Emotional intelligence
Explanation: Edward Thorndike identified abstract, mechanical, and social intelligence; emotional intelligence was not among his classifications.
What was Thorndike's perspective on the typical age at which learning ability begins to decline?
Answer: Around age 35
Explanation: Thorndike's perspective was that learning ability typically begins to decline around age 35.
Thorndike's contribution to psychometrics is particularly highlighted by his work in which area?
Answer: Establishing the scientific measurement of psychological attributes.
Explanation: Thorndike's contribution to psychometrics is highlighted by his work in establishing the scientific measurement of psychological attributes.
What was Thorndike's stance regarding the relative roles of innate factors versus cultural influences in gender differences?
Answer: He attributed differences primarily to biological factors and innate instincts.
Explanation: Thorndike's stance was that gender differences were primarily attributable to biological factors and innate instincts, rather than solely cultural influences.
Thorndike's involvement in the Army Beta test during WWI pertained to assessing the cognitive abilities of individuals who:
Answer: Were illiterate or did not speak English.
Explanation: Thorndike's involvement in the Army Beta test was related to assessing the cognitive abilities of individuals who were illiterate or did not speak English.
What did Thorndike signify by the term 'prepotency of elements' in the context of learning?
Answer: The capacity to focus on significant aspects and ignore irrelevant details.
Explanation: Thorndike's 'prepotency of elements' refers to a learner's capacity to focus on significant aspects and ignore irrelevant details.
What was the primary achievement of Thorndike's 1904 book, 'Introduction to the Theory of Mental and Social Measurements'?
Answer: It laid groundwork for the scientific measurement of psychological attributes.
Explanation: Thorndike's 1904 book laid groundwork for the scientific measurement of psychological attributes.
Thorndike's perspective on the 'teachable age' suggested that learning ability remained stable until approximately what age?
Answer: 35 years old
Explanation: Thorndike's perspective on the 'teachable age' suggested that learning ability remained stable until approximately 35 years old.
Thorndike's work on 'mental fatigue' contributed to the early psychological study of:
Answer: How mental exertion affects performance.
Explanation: Thorndike's work on 'mental fatigue' contributed to the early psychological study of how mental exertion affects performance.
Thorndike's concept of 'prepotency of elements' refers to a learner's ability to:
Answer: Focus on significant aspects and ignore irrelevant details.
Explanation: Thorndike's 'prepotency of elements' refers to a learner's ability to focus on significant aspects and ignore irrelevant details.
Thorndike's 'word books' were compiled to identify and list the most frequently used words in English, serving as a guide for vocabulary instruction.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's 'word books' were compiled to identify and list the most frequently used words in English, serving as a guide for vocabulary instruction.
Thorndike believed that formal schooling should aim to refine and enhance human nature, rather than merely reflect existing tendencies.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike believed that formal schooling should aim to refine and enhance human nature, rather than merely reflect existing tendencies.
Thorndike's 'identical elements theory of transfer' suggests that learning transfers between situations based on the similarity of their constituent elements, not outcomes.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's 'identical elements theory of transfer' suggests that learning transfers between situations based on the similarity of their constituent elements, not outcomes.
Thorndike's 'word books' were primarily utilized to guide vocabulary instruction by identifying frequently used words.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's 'word books' were primarily utilized to guide vocabulary instruction by identifying frequently used words.
Thorndike's 'identical elements theory' implies that learning transfers between tasks based on shared elements, not perfectly between dissimilar tasks.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's 'identical elements theory' implies that learning transfers between tasks based on shared elements, not perfectly between dissimilar tasks.
Thorndike's 'word books' were influential in shaping curriculum design for vocabulary instruction.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's 'word books' were influential in shaping curriculum design for vocabulary instruction.
Thorndike's 'identical elements theory of transfer' suggests that learning transfers most effectively when tasks share identical components.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's 'identical elements theory of transfer' suggests that learning transfers most effectively when tasks share identical components.
Thorndike's 'word books' were intended to help educators identify the most frequently used vocabulary for systematic instruction.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's 'word books' were intended to help educators identify the most frequently used vocabulary for systematic instruction.
Thorndike's 'identical elements theory of transfer' suggests that learning transfers between situations based on:
Answer: The number of identical elements shared between the situations.
Explanation: Thorndike's 'identical elements theory of transfer' posits that learning transfers between situations based on the number of identical elements shared between them.
What was the primary purpose of Thorndike's 'word books,' such as 'The Teacher's Word Book'?
Answer: To guide educators in prioritizing vocabulary instruction based on frequency.
Explanation: Thorndike's 'word books' were intended to guide educators in prioritizing vocabulary instruction by identifying the most frequently occurring words.
Thorndike's belief that schooling should improve upon human nature implies that education should:
Answer: Aim to enhance and refine innate capacities.
Explanation: Thorndike's belief implies that education should aim to enhance and refine innate capacities, rather than merely reflect existing ones.
Thorndike's contribution to industrial personnel administration was primarily achieved through:
Answer: Providing methods for employee selection and evaluation using psychological measurement.
Explanation: Thorndike's contribution to industrial personnel administration was primarily through providing methods for employee selection and evaluation using psychological measurement.
Thorndike's 'word books' were designed to assist educators by:
Answer: Providing lists of the most frequently occurring words.
Explanation: Thorndike's 'word books' were designed to assist educators by providing lists of the most frequently occurring words.
Thorndike's 'identical elements theory of transfer' suggests that learning transfers most effectively between tasks that:
Answer: Share identical components or elements.
Explanation: Thorndike's 'identical elements theory of transfer' suggests that learning transfers most effectively between tasks that share identical components.
Edward Thorndike was a proponent of eugenics, advocating for selective breeding to enhance human capacities.
Answer: True
Explanation: Edward Thorndike was indeed a proponent of eugenics, advocating for selective breeding to enhance human capacities.
Edward Thorndike served as president of the American Psychological Association in 1912, not 1934.
Answer: True
Explanation: Edward Thorndike served as president of the American Psychological Association in 1912, not 1934.
Thorndike Hall at Teachers College, Columbia University, was renamed due to criticisms regarding Thorndike's espoused views, not his contributions to behaviorism.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike Hall at Teachers College, Columbia University, was renamed due to criticisms regarding Thorndike's espoused views, not his contributions to behaviorism.
Thorndike's work served as a bridge between functionalism and behaviorism by emphasizing empirical data and learning theory.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's work served as a bridge between functionalism and behaviorism by emphasizing empirical data and learning theory.
Edward Thorndike spent the majority of his career at Teachers College, Columbia University, not Harvard University.
Answer: True
Explanation: Edward Thorndike spent the majority of his career at Teachers College, Columbia University, not Harvard University.
Thorndike's early work was influenced by his advisor, William James, not B.F. Skinner.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's early work was influenced by his advisor, William James, not B.F. Skinner.
Thorndike's research significantly influenced B.F. Skinner's development of operant conditioning.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thorndike's research significantly influenced B.F. Skinner's development of operant conditioning.
Where did Edward Thorndike spend the majority of his professional career?
Answer: Teachers College, Columbia University
Explanation: Edward Thorndike spent the majority of his professional career at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Thorndike's work laid foundational groundwork for which major school of psychological thought?
Answer: Behaviorism
Explanation: Thorndike's work laid foundational groundwork for the development of Behaviorism.
What criticism precipitated the renaming of Thorndike Hall at Teachers College, Columbia University?
Answer: Thorndike held 'racist, sexist, and antisemitic ideals.'
Explanation: Thorndike Hall was renamed due to criticisms concerning Thorndike's espoused 'racist, sexist, and antisemitic ideals.'
Which academic advisor is cited as influencing Edward Thorndike's early interest in animal learning?
Answer: William James
Explanation: William James is cited as influencing Edward Thorndike's early interest in animal learning.
Which of the following was NOT an academic honor or position held by Edward Thorndike?
Answer: President of the American Philosophical Association
Explanation: Edward Thorndike held positions such as President of the American Psychological Association and was elected to the National Academy of Sciences, but not President of the American Philosophical Association.
Thorndike's advocacy for eugenics involved promoting:
Answer: Selective breeding to improve human nature.
Explanation: Thorndike's advocacy for eugenics involved promoting selective breeding to improve human nature.
Thorndike's work bridged functionalism and behaviorism primarily through his emphasis on:
Answer: Empirical observation and learning theory.
Explanation: Thorndike's work bridged functionalism and behaviorism primarily through his emphasis on empirical observation and learning theory.