Tolman's rats explored a maze without any reward, then ran it quickly once food appeared. This demonstrates:
AObservational learning from a model
BShaping by successive approximation
CHigher-order classical conditioning
DLatent learning guided by a cognitive map
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. Latent learning guided by a cognitive map
1. The unrewarded rats built a cognitive map, a mental picture of the maze layout, while exploring it.
2. After ten unreinforced sessions, food was placed in the goal box and these rats reached it as quickly as the group rewarded throughout.
3. Latent learning is learning that occurs but is not visible in behaviour until there is a reason to demonstrate it.
4. This conflicted with the prevailing view that reinforcement had to be immediate for learning to happen, and it pointed to a cognitive element in learning.
5. No model was watched, so it is not observational learning.
_Source: OpenStax Psychology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 6 "Learning", §6.3 Operant Conditioning_
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