FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)Human Behavior and Effective CommunicationMedium
During steep turn training, a flight instructor makes sure that every time the student rolls out on heading with minimal altitude loss, the instructor immediately praises the performance with enthusiasm. Over several lessons, the student begins to perform the maneuver correctly more consistently. This scenario best illustrates which law of learning?
- ALaw of Primacy
- BLaw of Effect
- CLaw of Intensity
- DLaw of Readiness
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Law of Effect
The Law of Effect states that a response accompanied by a satisfying feeling is more likely to be repeated, while one accompanied by an unpleasant feeling is less likely to recur. By pairing correct performance with immediate positive reinforcement, the instructor strengthens the desired behavior.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Law of Primacy concerns what is taught first, not the emotional reward tied to performance.
- C. Law of Intensity relates to vivid or dramatic experiences being remembered better, not reward-based repetition.
- D. Law of Readiness concerns whether the learner is prepared to learn, not reinforcement of responses.
Law of Effect
A law of learning stating that responses accompanied by satisfying feelings are strengthened, while those accompanied by discomfort are weakened.
- One of Thorndike's original laws of learning
- Positive reinforcement increases likelihood of repeated correct responses
- Instructors use immediate praise to strengthen desired behaviors
Memory trick: 'Good feelings glue the lesson' - satisfaction strengthens learning under the Law of Effect.