Edward Thorndike's contributions to educational psychology revolutionized the field with his Law of Effect and standardized testing. His research on animal behavior and human learning led to significant advancements in behaviorism and learning theories. Despite his controversial personal beliefs, Thorndike's work remains foundational in psychology education.
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Edward Thorndike was born on August 31, 1874, and grew up in a family of educators
Undergraduate Studies
Thorndike studied at Wesleyan University, where he developed an interest in psychology
Graduate Studies
Thorndike pursued graduate studies at Harvard University and Columbia University, where he was mentored by influential psychologists
Thorndike's early research focused on animal intelligence and problem-solving
Thorndike's doctoral dissertation introduced the systematic study of animal behavior and problem-solving
Connectionism
Thorndike's theory of connectionism proposed that learning is the result of associations formed through trial-and-error
Laws of Learning
Thorndike's Laws of Effect and Exercise have had a lasting impact on educational methods and the understanding of learning
Thorndike's research on human intelligence contributed to the understanding of intelligence as a complex construct
Thorndike's work in creating standardized tests and his involvement in the development of intelligence tests during World War I were pivotal in the evolution of intelligence testing
Thorndike's research on learning and behavior has informed educational strategies tailored to diverse learning needs
Thorndike's contributions to psychology and education continue to be recognized, but his personal beliefs have prompted reevaluations of his legacy
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______, a notable figure in psychology, was born on ______ and played a key role in shaping educational psychology.
Edward Lee Thorndike
August 31, 1874
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Thorndike's education included time at ______ and ______ where he was guided by ______ and ______.
Wesleyan University
Harvard University
William James
James McKeen Cattell
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Thorndike's Puzzle Box Experiment
Empirical study of cat problem-solving, demonstrating trial-and-error learning.
