Which law of adult learning theorized by Professor Edward Thorndike suggests that habits and memories used repeatedly are strengthened?

The law that suggests habits and memories used repeatedly are strengthened is the law of effect, proposed by Edward Thorndike. In this context, the correct concept linked to this idea is the principle of disuse, which posits that if a behavior or memory is not practiced or utilized, it is likely to weaken over time. On the other hand, when individuals engage with the material or practice skills on a consistent basis, they reinforce those connections, leading to stronger retention and recall.

The principle of disuse highlights the importance of active engagement in the learning process. Habits formed through frequent practice remain intact and can even improve, while those that are neglected may fade. This underscores the need for regular review and application of skills in educational and training environments to solidify learning outcomes, especially for adult learners who may benefit from the practical application of information.

The other laws mentioned, such as transfer, reinforcement, and primacy, focus on different aspects of learning. Transfer deals with applying knowledge from one situation to another, reinforcement emphasizes the outcomes of actions affecting future behaviors, and primacy is about the advantage of learning information early or first in a sequence. Understanding these distinctions helps in effectively applying different educational strategies based on the principles of learning.