Thorndike is perhaps best-known for the theory he called the law of effect, which emerged from his research on how cats learn to escape from puzzle boxes.

Thorndike's theory of learning, also known as the law of effect, states that behavior that is followed by a positive consequence is more likely to be repeated, while behavior that is followed by a negative consequence is less likely to be repeated.

The main principle of Thorndike theory is learning is exercise repeatedly, because of that learning must be oriented to give exercise as stimulus, so that learner can give a respond for that stimulus. And hopefully, by doing those thing, the prestige and ability of student can be increased.

Thorndike graduated from Wesleyan University in 1895. He studied animal behaviour with William James at Harvard University (1895–97) and with James McKeen Cattell at Columbia University, where he received his Ph. D. (1898) and where he spent most of his career.