Why Did Thorndike Conclude That His Cats Learned by Strengthening

question 162

Multiple Choice

Why did Thorndike conclude that his cats learned by strengthening certain response tendencies, rather than by gaining an understanding or insight?

• A) The cats were only able to solve the puzzle boxes with assistance.
• B) The cats escaped the box equally rapidly, regardless of whether or not they were given positive reinforcements.
• C) The cats took a long time to escape from the puzzle box the first time but were quick on all later trials.
• D) The cats increased their speed of escaping from one trial to the next gradually, not suddenly.

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Definitions:

Sociological Perspective

A method that interprets human behavior by examining it in a larger social environment, understanding the impact of societies on individuals and groups.

Society

A collection of people engaged in ongoing social interactions, or a substantial social cluster sharing identical geographic or societal territories, generally governed by the same political rulers and prevailing cultural norms.

Qualitative Sociology

The study of nonmeasurable, subjective behaviours (e.g., the effects of divorce).

Emotional Effects

The impact or influence of certain actions, events, or communications on an individual's emotional state, mood, or feelings.