Edward Thorndike
Edward Thorndike: A Pioneer in Learning Theory
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Edward Lee Thorndike was an American psychologist who is best known for his work on learning theory and the development of the law of effect. He is often referred to by his initials, E.L.T.
Birth and Death Dates
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Thorndike was born on August 31, 1874, in Boston, Massachusetts. He passed away on August 9, 1949, at the age of 74.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Thorndike was an American psychologist who held various positions throughout his career, including professor of psychology at Harvard University and instructor at Columbia University.
Early Life and Background
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Edward Thorndike was born to a family with a strong emphasis on education. His father, Edward Lawrie Thormdike, was a lawyer, and his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Look Thormdike, was a homemaker. Thorndike's early life was marked by a love of reading and learning, which was encouraged by his parents. He attended Harvard University at the age of 16, where he began to develop an interest in psychology.
Major Accomplishments
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Thorndike is best known for his work on learning theory and the development of the law of effect. This law states that behaviors followed by a satisfying or pleasurable consequence are strengthened, while those followed by an unpleasant or painful consequence are weakened. Thorndike's work in this area laid the foundation for modern learning theories and has had a lasting impact on education.
Notable Works or Actions
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Thorndike's most notable works include his book "Animal Intelligence" (1911), which introduced the law of effect, and "The Psychology of Learning" (1924). He was also an active advocate for vocational education and the use of psychology in everyday life. Thorndike was a prolific writer and published numerous articles on topics related to learning theory and psychology.
Impact and Legacy
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Thorndike's work has had a significant impact on education and psychology. His law of effect has been widely applied in classrooms around the world, and his ideas about learning have influenced generations of educators. Thorndike was also an influential figure in the development of vocational education, which aimed to provide students with practical skills for the workforce.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Thorndike is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful writings on learning theory and psychology. His work continues to be studied by educators and psychologists today, and his ideas remain relevant in fields such as education, business, and sports. Thorndike's legacy extends beyond academia; his principles have been applied in a wide range of contexts, from child development to organizational behavior.
Thorndike's contributions to the field of psychology are immeasurable, and his influence can still be seen today. His groundbreaking work on learning theory has helped shape our understanding of human behavior and continues to inspire new generations of researchers and educators. As we reflect on his life and achievements, it is clear that Edward Thorndike was a true pioneer in the field of psychology, leaving behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire and inform for years to come.
Quotes by Edward Thorndike
On the whole, the psychological work of the last quarter of the nineteenth century emphasized the study of consciousness to the neglect of the total life of intellect and character.
Some statements concern the conscious states of the animal, what he is to himself as an inner life; others concern his original and acquired ways of response, his behavior, what he is an outside observer.
The real difference between a man’s scientific judgments about himself and the judgment of others about him is he has added sources of knowledge.
The un-conscious distortion of the facts is almost harmless compared to the unconscious neglect of an animal’s mental life until it verges on the unusual and marvelous.
Whatever exists at all exists in some amount. To know it thoroughly involves knowing its quantity as well as its quality.
It will of course, be understood that directly or indirectly, soon or late, every advance in the sciences of human nature will contribute to our success in controlling human nature and changing it to the advantage of the common wheel.
When, instead of merely associating some act with some situation in the animal way, we think the situation out, we have a set of particular feelings of its elements.