Definition
A principle of learning stating that behaviors or responses followed by satisfying, pleasant, or successful outcomes are more likely to be repeated, while those followed by unpleasant, frustrating, or unsuccessful outcomes are less likely to be repeated. In aviation instruction, it means students learn and retain skills more readily when training experiences end on a positive note.
Plain English
People tend to repeat actions that feel good or work well, and avoid actions that feel bad or fail. So if a lesson ends well, the student walks away wanting to come back.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation instructor training when discussing how feedback, correction, and practice shape a student pilot’s habits.
Derivation
From everyday English: the 'effect' here means the result or consequence that follows an action. The law links learning to the effect that follows the behavior — a good effect strengthens the behavior, a bad effect weakens it.
Why Pilots Care
Instructors apply this principle by giving positive feedback after correct maneuvers, which strengthens safe habits and improves student retention of procedures.
Analogy
Like rewarding a dog with a treat after it sits on command, making the dog more likely to sit again in the future.
Intuition Check
Do not read “law” here as a regulation a pilot must obey. In this context, it means a learning principle about how results shape future behavior.
Example Sentence 1
Applying the law of effect, the instructor finished the lesson with a smooth landing the student handled well, leaving them confident for the next flight.
Example Sentence 2
A negative experience during a stall recovery can weaken a student's willingness to practice that maneuver unless the instructor counters it with positive reinforcement.