Richard L. Thorndike

Richard L. Thorndike was a pioneering American psychologist best known for developing the idea of "connectionism" and the law of effect, which describes how behaviors are influenced by their consequences. He studied how learning occurs and emphasized the importance of experience and practice. Thorndike’s work laid the foundation for modern educational psychology, highlighting the role of reinforcement in shaping behavior and learning. His research helped shape techniques for effective teaching and training, making him a key figure in understanding how humans and animals learn from their environment.