In the history of psychology and learning theory, Edward Thorndike is especially known for his experimental work with which device used to study how animals solve problems and form associations?

Introduction / Context:
This question comes from basic psychology and the study of learning. Different researchers are associated with different experimental setups that helped to develop theories such as trial and error learning or operant conditioning. Edward Thorndike is one of the early pioneers in this field, and he is widely remembered for his work on animal learning using a special kind of apparatus.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on Edward Thorndike and his experimental work.
• We are asked which device or arrangement he is most closely associated with.
• Options mention modelling demonstrations, a Skinner box, experiments with monkeys, and a puzzle box.
• Only one of these is historically linked to Thorndike.

Concept / Approach:
Edward Thorndike studied how animals, especially cats, learn to escape from a confined space when a reward such as food is outside. He placed cats in specially designed puzzle boxes that could be opened by performing a specific action, such as pulling a loop. From observing how quickly the cats learned to escape, he developed the law of effect and described trial and error learning. The Skinner box is associated with B F Skinner and operant conditioning, while work with monkeys is more commonly linked to other psychologists. Modelling demonstrations are general teaching techniques and not Thorndikes key contribution.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the main researchers associated with common experimental devices in learning theory. Step 2: Recall that Thorndike used puzzle boxes to study how cats learned to escape. Step 3: Recognise that Skinner designed the Skinner box for rats and pigeons and that this is separate from Thorndikes work. Step 4: Note that the option mentioning monkeys is not accurate for Thorndikes most famous experiments, which used cats. Step 5: Select the option that describes a puzzle box used for trial and error learning experiments as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by remembering that introductory psychology textbooks often use an illustration of a cat in a puzzle box in the chapter on learning theories. The caption usually names Edward Thorndike and explains how he formulated the law of effect based on these experiments. Skinner is similarly always paired with the Skinner box, which helps keep the two contributions distinct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Modelling in a classroom is a general teaching method and not a unique device belonging to Thorndike. The Skinner box was designed later by B F Skinner and is used for operant conditioning, not for Thorndikes original work. Experiments with monkeys in cages were conducted by other researchers and do not form the core of Thorndikes contribution, which focused on cats and puzzle boxes.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mix up the puzzle box and Skinner box because both involve animals learning tasks. Another pitfall is to remember that Thorndike studied animals and then wrongly assume monkeys, which are often used in other behaviour studies. The key is to lock in the association cats in a puzzle box with Thorndike and rats in a Skinner box with Skinner.

Final Answer:
Edward Thorndike is best known for his work with a puzzle box used to study trial and error learning in cats.