Nevin, J. A. (1999).
Analyzing Thorndike's law of effect: The question of stimulus—response bonds.
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior,
72, 447-450.
The stimulus—response bond postulated by Thorndike's (1911)
law of effect is not required in a functional account of behavior
in relation to its consequences. Moreover, the notion of a bond
has been challenged by the findings of several experiments.
Nevertheless, it remains viable in the light of reanalyses of
those findings. Thorndike's suggestion that the strength of the
bond depends on the magnitude of satisfaction is consistent with
current research on resistance to change.
Key words: law of effect, S-R bond, reinforcer devaluation,
resistance to change