Final answer:
Cognitive maps are mental representations of previously explored areas that help in navigation. Edward C. Tolman demonstrated their use in rats through maze experiments, indicating the broad applicability of cognitive learning beyond humans.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mental representations of an area previously explored are called cognitive maps. These are mental images that help individuals navigate through previously encountered spaces. Edward C. Tolman's experiments with rats in mazes provided early evidence for the existence of cognitive maps, demonstrating that rats could navigate a maze using a mental representation rather than just a sequence of right and left turns. His research was a pioneering effort in cognitive learning, showing that such capacities were not limited to humans but extended to other species as well.
Cognitive maps play a crucial role, as pointed out by Psychologist Laura Carlson, in how effectively we can navigate complex environments. By paying attention to specific landmarks when entering a new place, we enhance our mental maps, improving our ability to navigate and remember the space.