Thorndike’s theory of learning is known as:

Concept

Learning theories are identified by their core mechanism and the theorist who formulated them. In behaviorist accounts, consequences can strengthen or weaken stimulus-response connections, whereas cognitive accounts emphasize internal representations.

Application

Thorndike’s puzzle-box experiments showed that animals gradually eliminated ineffective responses and repeated responses followed by satisfying consequences. He described learning as the formation and strengthening of stimulus-response bonds under the law of effect; this approach is called trial-and-error learning, also known as connectionism.

Contrast

• Sign learning: Tolman used this term for purposive learning and cognitive maps.

• Cognitive learning: this is a broad mental-process account, not the specific title of Thorndike’s theory.

• Space learning: this is associated with Tolman’s maze studies and spatial representations.

Cross-check

The theorist-method pairing is consistent: Thorndike used puzzle-box experiments and the law of effect, while Tolman is linked with signs and cognitive maps.

Result

Therefore, Thorndike’s theory is known as trial-and-error learning.