California Preliminary Administrative Credential Examination (CPACE) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Question: 1 / 400

What role does positive reinforcement play in learning, according to Thorndike?

It creates a stressful learning environment

It strengthens connections between stimuli and responses

Positive reinforcement plays a crucial role in learning, particularly in the context of Thorndike's work on the law of effect. According to Thorndike, behaviors that are followed by satisfying outcomes are more likely to be repeated in the future. Positive reinforcement refers to the addition of a rewarding stimulus after a desired behavior is exhibited, thereby strengthening the association between a stimulus (the context or cue that triggers the behavior) and the response (the behavior itself).

This process increases the likelihood that the behavior will occur again, solidifying the connection between the elements involved in the learning experience. In educational settings, when students receive praise or tangible rewards for their achievements, it encourages them to continue engaging in those productive behaviors. This understanding aligns with Thorndike’s emphasis on the importance of outcomes in shaping behaviors and promotes a more effective learning environment.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

It has no effect on learning

It leads to confusion among learners

Next Question

Report this question

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy