Final answer:
Pavlov's research focused on classical conditioning, where he demonstrated how associations between stimuli can elicit new responses. Thorndike's research focused on operant conditioning, where he studied how behaviors are influenced by their consequences. Both researchers explored different types of associations and shifted the focus from inner experiences to observable behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pavlov and Thorndike were both influential researchers in the field of psychology, but they focused on different types of learning associations. Pavlov's research centered around classical conditioning, which is a process by which organisms learn to associate stimuli and anticipate events. He conducted experiments with dogs and found that by pairing a neutral stimulus, such as the sound of a bell, with a naturally occurring stimulus, such as food, he could condition the dogs to salivate upon hearing the bell alone. This demonstrated how a new response could be elicited through the association of two stimuli.
Thorndike, on the other hand, is known for his work on operant conditioning, which involves learning associations between a behavior and its consequences. His research involved experiments with cats in puzzle boxes, where he observed how the cats learned to perform specific behaviors in order to escape and receive a reward. Thorndike's findings led to the formulation of the Law of Effect, which states that behaviors followed by positive consequences are more likely to be repeated, while behaviors followed by negative consequences are less likely to be repeated.
In terms of associations researched, Pavlov's work focused on stimulus-stimulus associations, while Thorndike's work focused on behavior-consequence associations.
Both Pavlov and Thorndike's work on association differed from what came before them in terms of their experimental methods and research focus. They moved away from studying inner experiences and instead focused on observable behaviors and how they can be influenced through associations. Their research laid the foundation for subsequent studies in behaviorism and learning theory.