Question

In Thorndike's puzzle-box experiments, the cats were rewarded by ____________.

• A. getting out of the box
• B. getting food
• C. being petted and praised
• D. both getting out of the box and getting food

Hint:

Thorndike's Law of Effect states that behaviors followed by satisfying states are strengthened. For a hungry, confined cat, both freedom and food comprise this satisfying state.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks us to identify the reinforcing consequences (rewards) experienced by the cats in Edward Thorndike's classic puzzle-box learning experiments.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Edward Thorndike placed hungry cats inside a wooden crate called a "puzzle box."

• To escape, the cats had to perform a specific mechanical action, such as pulling a loop, stepping on a treadle, or pressing a lever.

• Outside the box, a small portion of appetizing food (usually fish) was placed in plain sight of the cat.

• When the cat successfully performed the correct action, the door fell open, which allowed the cat to immediately escape the confinement of the box.

• Upon escaping, the cat was immediately able to consume the food placed outside.

• Therefore, the behavioral response was reinforced by two simultaneous rewards: the negative reinforcement of escaping the cramped box and the positive reinforcement of eating the food.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The cats in Thorndike's puzzle-box experiments were rewarded by both getting out of the box and getting food.