Final answer:
The task where a rat must find a platform under murky water is known as the Morris search task. This experiment studies spatial learning and is related to the concept of cognitive maps, first demonstrated by psychologist Edward Tolman with rats in mazes. The correct choice is b. morris search task.
Step-by-step explanation:
The task where a rat must swim through murky water to find a rest platform that is just under the surface is known as the Morris search task or Morris water navigation task. This experiment is typically used in the field of behavioral neuroscience to study spatial learning and memory.
Rats are placed in a circular pool of water that is made opaque, and they must swim to find a hidden platform just beneath the surface, which they can use to rest.
Psychologist Edward Tolman's work with rats in mazes demonstrated that these animals form cognitive maps of their environments, an early example of cognitive learning beyond simple conditioning.
Cognitive learning involves forming a mental representation of the physical layout of an environment, which can then be used for navigation. The Morris water navigation task moves beyond the traditional maze setup but still relies on the rat's ability to form and recall a cognitive map.