What principle proposed by Edward Thorndike indicates that behaviors with positive outcomes are likely to be repeated?

The Law of Effect, proposed by Edward Thorndike, is a fundamental principle in behavioral psychology that states that behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are more likely to be repeated, while behaviors followed by unsatisfying outcomes are less likely to be repeated. This principle is foundational in understanding how reinforcement works in learning and behavior modification. Essentially, if an action leads to a positive result, individuals are more inclined to perform that action again in the future. This has significant implications in educational settings, where positive reinforcement can enhance student engagement and motivation.

In contrast, the Law of Reinforcement, while related to the concept of rewards and punishments, is more closely associated with B.F. Skinner's work on operant conditioning, which is a different framework. Cognitive Dissonance, proposed by Leon Festinger, refers to the mental discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs or values, and Equilibration, associated with Jean Piaget’s developmental theory, describes the process of balancing assimilation and accommodation in cognitive development. These concepts, while important in psychology, do not specifically address the relationship between behavior and its outcomes in the way the Law of Effect does.