According to Thorndike's law of effect, what determines the effectiveness of conditioning?

Thorndike's law of effect states that responses followed by satisfying outcomes are more likely to be repeated in the future, while responses followed by unpleasant outcomes are less likely to recur. The crucial aspect here is the recognition of the consequences that follow a response. Thus, effective conditioning is determined by events that occur after the response, as these outcomes reinforce or discourage the likelihood of the behavior being repeated.

When a behavior results in a positive or rewarding consequence, it increases the chances of the behavior being repeated, whereas a negative consequence tends to reduce the frequency of that behavior. This principle underscores the importance of reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior, making the events following the response integral to the conditioning process.