Test on Thorndike's Law of Effect: Empirical Study

Question 1: A shorter duration of a connection, when the subject hears "right," would presumably have the same strengthening influence as a larger number of repetitions of equal length.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that a longer duration of the connection, when the subject hears "right," would presumably have the same strengthening influence as a larger number of repetitions of equal length, not a shorter duration.

Question 2: The primary method by which subjects improved in drawing lengths blindfold was through deliberate retention or recall of inner 'feels' or cues.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The text states that while deliberate retention or recall likely plays a part, there are two reasons why a more fundamental, general, and direct favoring of successful connections is probable. First, there is no evidence that improvement is faster with deliberate retention or recall. Second, it is unlikely that animals like cats, dogs, and rats engage in such deliberate reviews in their learning, suggesting a more direct influence.

Question 3: According to the provided text, what was the primary reason for inventing the Law of Effect as a purely empirical hypothesis?

A. To explain the general potency of wants, interests, purposes, and desires in education.

B. To study excitement and calm, sensory pains, and sensory pleasures as after-effects of connections.

C. To account for facts of learning or modifiability in animals that frequency alone was unable to explain.

D. To offer a more mechanical force for learning compared to frequency and intensity.

Explanation: The text states, 'It was invented as a purely empirical hypothesis to explain facts of learning or modifiability in animals which frequency alone could not explain.'

Question 4: According to Edward L. Thorndike, which of the following contributed to the disfavor of the Law of Effect among psychologists and its neglect by physiologists?

A. It was considered too simplistic compared to other theories of learning.

B. It was viewed as troublesome to conceptualize compared to more mechanical forces like frequency and intensity.

C. It directly contradicted the observed results in animal learning experiments.

D. It relied heavily on explanations involving teleological factors, which were out of favor.

Explanation: The study materials state that the Law of Effect suffered disfavor because 'It is, compared with more mechanical forces like frequency and intensity, indeed troublesome to think with.' It was also 'even more odious to philosophers and educational theorists who find it a dangerous rival to, or an inferior substitute for, their explanations of purposes, relief from tensions, and other teleological or logical factors.' The first correct option reflects the 'troublesome to think with' aspect compared to mechanical forces.

Question 5: In the blindfolded line drawing experiment, the experimenter numerically stated the exact length of each line drawn by the subject.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state, 'The score was called not numerically, but in a relative scheme.' This indicates that the experimenter did not numerically state the length of each line.