According to Thorndike's Law of Effect, which of the following best describes how behaviors are influenced by their consequences?

• A. Behaviors are only influenced by punishment, not by rewards.
• B. Behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are more likely to be repeated.
• C. Behaviors followed by any consequence are equally likely to be repeated.
• D. Behaviors are determined solely by innate instincts, regardless of consequences.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core concept of Thorndike's Law of Effect, which states that behaviors are influenced by their consequences in terms of satisfaction or discomfort.
2. Step 2: Recognize that according to this law, behaviors followed by satisfying or positive consequences are more likely to be repeated in the future.
3. Step 3: Contrast this with behaviors followed by unpleasant or unsatisfying consequences, which are less likely to be repeated.
4. Step 4: Eliminate options that suggest behaviors are influenced only by punishment or that all consequences have equal effects, as these do not align with the Law of Effect.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description is that behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are more likely to be repeated, reflecting the principle of reinforcement in learning.