A horse can be brought near water, but cannot be forced to drink.' This statement reveals the truth of Thorndike's which law of learning ?

Question

Accepted Answer

'A horse can be brought near water, but cannot be forced to drink.' This statement reveals the truth of Thorndike's Law of Readiness.

Here's why:

*   **Law of Readiness:** This law states that learning is most effective when an individual is physiologically and psychologically ready to learn. In the horse analogy, bringing the horse to water represents providing the opportunity for learning (or in this case, drinking). However, the horse *cannot* be forced to drink. This is because the horse might not be thirsty (not physiologically ready) or might be scared or unwilling (not psychologically ready). The Law of Readiness emphasizes that learning will only occur if the learner is prepared and motivated. The horse's willingness to drink is crucial, and forcing it goes against this principle.

Now, let's explain why the other options are incorrect:

*   **Law of Exercise:** This law emphasizes that connections are strengthened with practice and weakened when practice is discontinued. The horse analogy doesn't directly relate to practice or repetition. It's about the horse's initial willingness to engage in the behavior (drinking).

*   **Law of Effect:** This law states that behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are more likely to be repeated, and behaviors followed by unpleasant consequences are less likely to be repeated. The horse analogy doesn't focus on the consequences of drinking or not drinking. It's about the horse's initial state of readiness or willingness.

*   **Law of Multi Responses:** This law suggests that when faced with a problem, an individual will try various responses until one leads to a satisfying outcome. The horse analogy doesn't involve the horse trying multiple approaches to solve a problem. It's simply about whether the horse is ready and willing to drink in the first place.