Final answer:
The answer that indicates evidence for latent learning in rats is that they show little improvement in reaching the end of the maze for the first ten days but then dramatically improve on day 11 after a food reward is introduced. This is because they had formed a cognitive map during the unrewarded exploration, which they could use once there was a reason to do so, demonstrating latent learning.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it comes to understanding latent learning in rats navigating a maze, you're looking for evidence that the rats have acquired knowledge without it immediately being evident in their behavior. Latent learning is demonstrated when learning becomes apparent once a motivation or reward is introduced, despite no previous reinforcement. Considering the choices provided, the result that would provide evidence for latent learning would be: 'The rats improve very little in how quickly they reach the end of the maze for the first ten days, but dramatically improve their performance on day 11.' This indicates that the rats learned the layout of the maze during the unreinforced exploration period but only demonstrated this knowledge when a food reward was introduced.
Experiments performed by researchers like E.C. Tolman and H.C. Blodgett have shown that rats develop a cognitive map of the layout of a maze when they navigate through it, even without immediate rewards. This learning is not immediately apparent because there is no change in behavior. However, once a reward is in place, they quickly demonstrate their learning by navigating to the reward significantly faster, which is a clear sign of latent learning.
Cognitive learning reflects the ability to not just respond to stimuli but to use mental processes to navigate and understand physical environments. Studies with rats have repeatedly shown that they are capable of this type of learning, indicating that cognitive learning is not exclusive to humans and primates.