How did Edward L. Thorndike help establish educational psychology?

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Hans Holbein the Younger: Erasmus — pedagogy *Erasmus*, oil on panel by Hans Holbein the Younger, 1523–24; in the Louvre, Paris. 43 × 33 cm.

Edward L. Thorndike was a foundational figure in educational psychology, transforming the field by applying rigorous scientific measurement and quantitative analysis to classroom instruction.1

His contributions include:

Scientific Pedagogy: As a professor at Columbia University, he authored seminal texts such as The Principles of Teaching Based on Psychology (1906) and Educational Psychology (1913–14), which provided the first systematic applications of psychological principles to subjects like reading, writing, and arithmetic.1
Connectionism: His theory of connectionism posited that learning occurs through trial-and-error associations between stimuli and responses. His law of effect emphasized that rewards significantly strengthen these associations, a concept that fundamentally shaped behavioral approaches to teaching.1
Curriculum Reform: Through his research on the transfer of learning, he argued that learning in one area does not automatically improve general mental ability. This supported the shift toward practical, relevant school curricula.1
Measurement and Statistics: He championed the use of statistics in social science, helping educators move away from purely descriptive accounts toward data-driven, efficient schooling practices.1