Who proposed the 'goal-gradient' concept in problem solving?

Concept

The goal-gradient principle is a theory of motivation: as an organism perceives itself getting nearer to a goal, its motivation and goal-directed effort tend to increase.

The principle concerns the strength of goal-directed behavior: cues or responses closer to the goal acquire greater motivational force than those farther away.

Application

The question asks for the psychologist who proposed the goal-gradient concept. Clark L. Hull formulated this principle in his 1932 work on maze learning, so Clark L. Hull is the required answer.

Contrast

• Kendler is associated with research on learning and discrimination, not with originating the goal-gradient hypothesis.

• Kohler is best known for Gestalt psychology and insight learning, not for proposing the goal-gradient hypothesis.

• Birch contributed to research on learning and behavior, but is not credited with originating the goal-gradient hypothesis.

Cross-check

Standard histories of learning theory identify Clark L. Hull's 1932 work as the original formulation; therefore, the attribution to Hull is consistent.

Result: Hull proposed the goal-gradient concept.