Which of the following is a supplementary law of learning propounded by Thorndike ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Edward Thorndike, a prominent psychologist, is well-known for his work on the laws of learning. Among these, he proposed several primary and supplementary laws. The supplementary law of learning that is highlighted in this question is the "Law of Multiple Responding," which is correctly identified as Option 2.

1. **Explanation for Option 2 - Law of Multiple Responding:**
   The Law of Multiple Responding, also known as the law of varied reaction, suggests that when an individual is faced with a problem or a stimulus, they will try different responses until they find one that leads to a satisfying outcome. This law emphasizes the trial-and-error aspect of learning, where multiple attempts and responses are made before achieving success. It highlights the adaptive nature of behavior, where learners adjust their responses based on feedback from the environment. This law is supplementary because it builds on the foundational principles of learning by explaining how variability in responses can lead to learning and adaptation.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 1 - Law of Readiness:**
     The Law of Readiness is one of Thorndike's primary laws of learning. It states that a person learns best when they are physically and mentally prepared to learn. This law is not considered supplementary because it addresses the conditions under which learning is most effective, rather than describing the process of learning itself.

- **Option 3 - Law of Exercise:**
     The Law of Exercise, another primary law, consists of two parts: the Law of Use and the Law of Disuse. It suggests that connections between stimuli and responses are strengthened through repetition and weakened when not used. This law is fundamental to understanding how habits are formed and maintained, but it is not supplementary as it directly addresses the reinforcement of learned behaviors.

- **Option 4 - Law of Effect:**
     The Law of Effect is a primary law that states that behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are more likely to be repeated, while those followed by discomfort are less likely to be repeated. This law is central to Thorndike's theory of learning and is not supplementary because it directly explains the mechanism of reinforcement in learning.

In conclusion, the Law of Multiple Responding is correctly identified as a supplementary law of learning because it complements the primary laws by explaining how variability and adaptation in responses contribute to the learning process.