We need to understand what influenced Skinner in operant conditioning research. Thorndike's law of effect focused on learning through the consequences of the behavior used. The law of effect is defined as any behavior followed by pleasant consequences is likely to be repeated, and any behavior followed by unpleasant consequences is likely to be discontinued according to Thorndike, E. L. (1898). There is also the law of exercise which states that the more an act is used in a situation, the more strongly the act becomes associated with the situation. The law of effect is the what, while the law of exercise can be considered how often? The learning that Thorndike saw happen and as he defined it is trial and error. Learning was based on repeating responses that led to a desirable consequence. Skinner based his ideas on Thorndike, and this is how operant conditioning occurred