Final answer:
The major contribution of the Semantic-Cognitive Theory is understanding the role of mental processes in learning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major contribution of the Semantic-Cognitive Theory is understanding the role of mental processes in learning. This theory recognizes that learning involves more than just observing external behaviors, but also involves internal mental processes such as thinking, perception, and memory.
For example, cognitive psychologists like Tolman and Bandura emphasized the significance of internal mental processes in learning. Tolman's experiments with rats demonstrated that organisms can learn even without immediate reinforcement, suggesting a cognitive aspect to learning. Similarly, Bandura proposed a social learning theory that recognized the role of internal mental states in observational learning.
Overall, the Semantic-Cognitive Theory highlights the importance of mental processes in learning, expanding our understanding beyond just observable behaviors.