Thorndike's Law of Effect

Established by E. L. Thorndike in 1898.
Focuses on the role of consequences in shaping voluntary behavior.
Experiment involved cats in puzzle boxes trying to reach food outside.
Initially, cats displayed random movements until they accidentally discovered the lever to open the door.
Over trials, cats became quicker at stepping on the lever, demonstrating learning.
Law of Effect: Behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are strengthened; those followed by frustrating outcomes are weakened.