This document discusses behaviourism and Thorndike's trial and error theory of learning. Behaviourism views learning as behaviour modification through reinforcement and drill/practice techniques. Thorndike's theory proposed that learning occurs through a process of trial and error, where learners make random responses until finding the correct one. With repeated trials, incorrect responses are eliminated and correct ones are strengthened through reinforcement or satisfaction. Thorndike also described laws of learning related to readiness, exercise, and the effect of reinforcement on strengthening connections between stimuli and responses. The implications are that motivation, reinforcement, review, and linking new knowledge to past experience are important for learning.

1. Behaviourism
Presented by: Surekha V S
Asst. Professor in Commerce Education
SVTEC, Akkikkavu

2. Meaning &
Features
Behaviourism
Meaning: Learning based on
the behaviour modification
of the learners
Features:
❏ Learners are passive
❏ Behaviour is shaped by
reinforcement
❏ Behaviourism is the
precursor to cognitive
learning
❏ Behaviour is the result
of stimulus-response
❏ Drill & practice are
common techniques for
learning

3. Theories of behaviourism
● Thorndike’s Trial & Error Theory
● Pavlov’s Theory of Classical Conditioning
● Skinner’s Theory of Operant Conditioning
● Hull’s Reinforcement Theory

4. Thorndike’s Trial & Error Theory
❖ Propounded by E L Thorndike, an American
Psychologist
❖ Various responses are tried until a solution
is attained
❖ Learning is the stamping in of the correct
responses & stamping out of the incorrect
responses through trial & error
❖ Learning is the process of elimination of
erroneous responses for the establishment of
correct responses on each trial

5. Features of Trial & Error Theory
❖ Learner makes random & variable responses
❖ Learner should be definitely motivated
❖ Learning is a gradual process through trial &
error
❖ Some responses lead to the goal
❖ With the increase in no. of trials, erroneous
responses will tend to be eliminated & correct
responses will be strengthened
❖ With the successive trials, the time taken to
perform the task decreases

6. Thorndike’s Law of Learning
1.Law of Readiness
When a conduction unit is ready to conduct,
for it to do so is satisfying. When a
conduction unit is not ready to conduct, for
it to conduct is annoying. When a conduction
unit is ready to conduct, not to conduct is

7. 2. Law of Exercise
Strengthening of S-R connection with practice
& their weakening when practice is not continued
a. Law of Use
b. Law of Disuse

8. 3. Law of Effect
When a modifiable connection between
stimulus & response is made & is accompanied by a
satisfying state of affairs, that connection’s
strength is increased. When it is accompanied by
an annoying state of affairs, its strength is
decreased

9. Educational Implications
➢ Attention to the importance of motivation &
reinforcement
➢ Review of learned material is necessary
➢ Importance given to the mental readiness of
learners
➢ More & more opportunities to apply the
knowledge already gained in the classroom
➢ Stress is given to what is being taught in one
situation should be linked with the past
experience of the learners