Latent Learning and Tolman's Experiment

Medium Unit 4: Learning Cognitive Processes In Learning

In the field of cognitive psychology, researchers have long explored how people learn and store information. An important concept within this domain is the idea of latent learning, which suggests that knowledge can be acquired without immediate reinforcement or an observable change in behavior. One classic experiment that often illustrates this concept was conducted by Edward Tolman with rats in a maze. In this experiment, some rats were allowed to explore the maze without rewards, while others were given a food reward upon reaching the end. Which of the following statements best defines latent learning as illustrated by Tolman's findings?

Latent learning occurs only when an organism is presented with an immediate reward.

Latent learning is the acquisition of knowledge that occurs without reinforcement for the behavior.

Latent learning is a process that requires constant reinforcement to be retained.

Latent learning demonstrates that learning does not affect an organism's attention during the process.

Latent learning can only be observed when behavior changes immediately after learning.

Hint

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