Definition
A principle of learning which states that a student is more likely to retain and repeat actions or knowledge that produce a satisfying or pleasant result, and is less likely to retain those associated with discomfort, frustration, or failure.
Plain English
People learn better when learning feels good. If a lesson ends well, the student keeps what they learned and wants more. If it ends badly, they tend to lose it and avoid it.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation instructor training, especially in discussions of how students learn and how instructors should give feedback.
Derivation
From Latin effectus, meaning 'result' or 'outcome.' The Law of Effect is named because learning is shaped by the effect — the result — that follows the experience.
Why Pilots Care
Instructors use positive reinforcement during training so correct actions become automatic and reliable in flight.
Intuition Check
Do not read “law” here as a regulation that a pilot must obey. Here, the law of effect means a learning principle: results and feelings after an action influence whether that action is repeated.
Example Sentence 1
Knowing the Law of Effect, the instructor ended the difficult lesson with a smooth landing the student flew well, sending them home on a positive note.
Example Sentence 2
Instructors apply the law of effect by providing immediate positive feedback so emergency checklists become second nature.