Final answer:
True, learning can occur without reinforcement or punishment, notably through observational learning and latent learning, which involve cognitive processes and can manifest without direct rewards or consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, learning can still take place without reinforcement or punishment:
While operant conditioning, as described by B. F. Skinner, emphasizes the importance of reinforcement (positive or negative) and punishment (positive or negative) to increase or decrease the likelihood of a behavior, this is not the only form of learning. For example, observational learning occurs when an individual watches and internalizes the behavior of others. Albert Bandura's social learning theory argues that cognitive processes are essential in learning and that internal mental states must be considered.
This type of learning does not necessarily require external reinforcement or punishment but can be influenced by simply observing the actions of a model. Additionally, latent learning refers to knowledge that is acquired without any immediate or apparent reinforcement, which may become apparent when needed. Learning is a complex process that encompasses more than the results of direct reinforcement or punishment.