Thorndike - Puzzle Box

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Background: At the time, many believed animals solved problems through reasoning or insight. Thorndike aimed to test this scientifically by observing how cats learned to escape from a puzzle box.

Aim: To investigate whether animals learn through trial and error or through insight-based reasoning.


Method:

Research Method and Design: Laboratory experiment with controlled observation.

Variables:

  • Independent variable: number of times the cat experiences the puzzle box

  • Dependant variable: time taken to escape


Sample: A series of domesticated cats (the exact number is unknown)


Procedure:

1: Puzzle Box Setup

  • Thorndike designed wooden boxes with a simple mechanism (e.g., a loop of string/lever)

  • This mechanism, when manipulated correctly, would open the door.

  • Each box was slightly different to test various responses.


2: Placing the Cat Inside

  • Each cat was placed inside a puzzle box.

  • A piece of food was placed outside to serve as motivation.

  • The door was closed, preventing escape unless the cat figured out the correct action.


3: Observing the Cat's Behavior

  • The cat would initially engage in random behaviors (e.g. scratching, biting, pawing).

  • Eventually, by chance, the cat would press the correct lever or pull the string

  • This would open the door and allowing the cat to reach the food and escape.


4: Repeating the Trials

  • The cat was placed back inside the box for multiple trials.


5: Recording Data

  • Thorndike carefully measured and recorded the time taken for the cat to escape on each attempt.

Results:

  • Initially, the cats engaged in random behaviors.

  • Over repeated trials, they learned to escape more quickly.

  • This demonstrated that learning occurred through trial and error, rather than insight.


Conclusion: Thorndike formulated the Law of Effect, which states that behaviors followed by a satisfying outcome are more likely to be repeated, while those followed by discomfort are less likely to occur.

Thorndike, E. L. (1898). Animal intelligence: An experimental study of the associative processes in animals. Psychological Review Monograph Supplements, 2(4), 1-109.

McLeod, S. (2024, February 1). Edward Thorndike: The law of effect. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/edward-thorndike.html 

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