Tolman's famous study demonstrated that latent learning (i.e., learning not immediately reflected in behavior change) can occur in rats. His study showed that rats left alone in a maze, even when not reinforced for their behavior, formed "cognitive maps" (mental representations of the maze) that allowed them to run the maze swiftly and accurately when later reinforced with food. Humans, too, use a variety of cognitive maps to represent important environments, such as a school, a stadium, an airport, a freeway system, a parking lot, a shopping mall, and so on. Take out a blank sheet of paper and sketch a map of the campus. Compare and contrast the features included in (and excluded from) your map by comparing it to an actual campus map. Discuss how these maps differ. What landmarks were central to both maps? Were any features commonly left out? What is the role of experience in developing cognitive maps. Would there be differences between students who live on campus and those who commute? Would there be differences related to major of study? Perhaps maps were more detailed and/or accurate for areas near their major department. Would there be noticeable differences between maps drawn by seniors (who have spent considerably more time on campus) and first-year students? Would there be gender differences? Would there be differences between athletes and nonathletes?

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)

5th Edition

ISBN:9780134477961

Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White

Publisher:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White

Chapter1: The Science Of Psychology

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1TY

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Tolman's famous study demonstrated that latent learning (i.e., learning not immediately reflected in behavior change) can occur in rats. His study showed that rats left alone in a maze, even when not reinforced for their behavior, formed "cognitive maps" (mental representations of the maze) that allowed them to run the maze swiftly and accurately when later reinforced with food.

Humans, too, use a variety of cognitive maps to represent important environments, such as a school, a stadium, an airport, a freeway system, a parking lot, a shopping mall, and so on.

Take out a blank sheet of paper and sketch a map of the campus. Compare and contrast the features included in (and excluded from) your map by comparing it to an actual campus map.

Discuss how these maps differ.
What landmarks were central to both maps?
Were any features commonly left out?

What is the role of experience in developing cognitive maps.
Would there be differences between students who live on campus and those who commute?
Would there be differences related to major of study? Perhaps maps were more detailed and/or accurate for areas near their major department.
Would there be noticeable differences between maps drawn by seniors (who have spent considerably more time on campus) and first-year students?
Would there be gender differences?
Would there be differences between athletes and nonathletes?

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