How does insight learning differ fromthe trial-anderror learning described by Thorndike?
Learning can be defined, as a process, which is dependent upon experiences of an individual, and results in long term changes in the possible behavior. Two of the most important theories of learning, proposed the in field of psychology are, Insight theory and Trial and error theory. Insight theory was given by Wolfgang Köhler, and trial and error theory was given by E.L Thorndike.
Trial and error theory is also known as theory of connectionism. E.L Thorndike carried out the stimulus-response experiment using cats. The experimental conditions involved a puzzle box, which confined a hungry cat. A dish of food was kept outside the box. The cat was supposed to pull a string, to come out of the box, and eat food.
The animal performed all sorts of tricks, such as jumping, running, and dashing to get out of the box. After a series of trial and error methods, it finally managed to pull the string and come out. The animal was subjected to the same set of conditions, and the experiment was repeated. Ultimately, it was concluded that the random behavior, decreased after every process.
It was concluded from the experiment that, learning is a gradual process. It requires motivation on the part of the learner. During the course random and variable responses are made by the learner. The attempts are continued till the success is achieved. The degree of randomness decreases with increase in successive trials. The solution to the problem is hidden, and is achieved by the learner by random events.
Wolfgang Köhler (1887-1967) carried out his studies on apes on the island of Tenerife. For his study, Köhler designed different problems for apes, all of which involved accessing the otherwise inaccessible food. He aimed at observing the animal’s problem solving skills. These studies were carried out to provide evidence for insight. Insight is the spontaneous understanding of conditions and finding a correct solution.
The experiments conducted by Köhler were an example of Gestalt learning. The problem solving abilities of apes, helped in investigating their intelligence levels. The experimental conditions were designed in, and around the animal’s cage. The animals were given simple props, such as sticks to draw banana into the cage, boxes to climb upon and reach the fruit suspended from the ceiling, and the bars of the cage as a barrier.
The animals did not learn by trial and error. They had access to all the parts of the problem. The perception of the condition as a whole helped them achieve insight. Once they achieved the goal through random movements, they learned and repeated the behavior, for solving the problem again.