What effect does a satisfying outcome have on behavior according to Thorndike's law of effect?

• A. It reinforces rapid decision-making
• B. It makes the behavior less likely to be repeated
• C. It increases the likelihood of the behavior recurring
• D. It has no effect on behavior

Answer: (C)

According to Thorndike's law of effect, behaviors that are followed by satisfying outcomes are more likely to be repeated in the future. When a response is followed by a positive consequence, it creates an association that encourages the same behavior to occur again under similar circumstances. This principle underlying learning suggests that positive reinforcement plays a crucial role in shaping behavior.

In this context, a satisfying outcome serves as a reward that reinforces the connection between the behavior and its results, making it more likely that the behavior will be selected again in the future. The emphasis on the relationship between behavior and its consequences is fundamental to the learning process, reinforcing the idea that actions leading to favorable results are encouraged and more likely to recur over time.