Definition

Noun: 1. A principle in psychology: The Law of Effect is a foundational principle stating that behaviors followed by satisfying or pleasant consequences are more likely to be repeated, while behaviors followed by unpleasant or annoying consequences are less likely to be repeated.

Usage

The term is used primarily in academic and psychological contexts to describe a core mechanism of learning through consequences. It is a key concept in operant conditioning. * It is often introduced with the verb "to illustrate" or "to demonstrate" the law. * It is commonly preceded by "the" (the law of effect).

Examples

• In a textbook: law of effect
• Explaining behavior: law of effect
• In a discussion: law of effect

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The Law of Effect was first proposed by psychologist Edward L. Thorndike based on his experiments with animals in puzzle boxes. It is a precursor to B.F. Skinner's more detailed analysis of operant conditioning.
• "In effect" vs. "Law of Effect": Be careful not to confuse the idiom "in effect" (meaning or ) with the psychological principle the "law of effect".

Variants and Related Words

• Operant Conditioning (n): The broader theory of learning, developed by B.F. Skinner, in which behavior is strengthened or weakened by its consequences (reinforcement and punishment). The Law of Effect is its core idea.
• Reinforcement (n): A consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior.
• Punishment (n): A consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior.
• Thorndike's Law of Effect (n): The full name, often used to specify the originator.

Synonyms

• Principle of reinforcement (though this is more specific to the strengthening aspect).
• There is no perfect single-word synonym. It is a specific, named psychological principle.

Related Phrases

• To be governed by the law of effect: Describes a behavior that is clearly influenced by its consequences.
  • Much of our habitual behavior is governed by the law of effect without us even realizing it.

Noun

1. (psychology) the principle that behaviors are selected by their consequences; behavior having good consequences tends to be repeated whereas behavior that leads to bad consequences is not repeated