Question

Learning that occurs but is not observable in behavior until there is a reason to demonstrate it (e.g., rats not showing their way until they are given food ) is called ________learning ?

a) Latent
b) Observational
c) Classical
d) Operant

Answer 1

Latent learning is the cognitive acquisition of knowledge that manifests behaviorally when it becomes relevant or necessary, distinct from classical and operant conditioning which rely on the association of behavior with consequences or stimuli.

Explanation:s

Learning that occurs but is not observable in behavior until there is a reaon to demonstrate it is called latent learning. Latent learning is a form of cognitive learning where knowledge is acquired without immediate application but is revealed later when it is needed. This is opposed to other forms of associative learning, such as classical conditioning and operant conditioning, where behavior is learned through the association with its consequences or through pairing with an unusual stimulus, respectively.

An example of latent learning is when children observe their parents but only exhibit what they have learned later, like the route to school, only when they need to navigate it themselves. Edward C. Tolman's experiments with rats demonstrated this when they only used their knowledge of a maze to find food once the food was introduced as an incentive, despite having learned the layout of the maze without reinforcement.