Studies of latent learning highlight the importance of which of the following in the learning process?

• A. Punishment as the primary motivator for behavior change
• B. Cognitive processes such as mental representations
• C. Classical conditioning of involuntary behaviors
• D. Immediate reinforcement after every response

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of latent learning, which refers to learning that occurs without any obvious reinforcement and is not immediately demonstrated in behavior.
2. Recognize that latent learning challenges the traditional behaviorist view that reinforcement is necessary for learning to occur.
3. Identify that latent learning emphasizes the role of cognitive processes, such as the formation of mental representations or cognitive maps, in the learning process.
4. Compare the options given: punishment, classical conditioning, immediate reinforcement, and cognitive processes, and consider which aligns with the idea of learning without immediate reinforcement.
5. Conclude that cognitive processes such as mental representations are crucial in latent learning, highlighting the importance of internal mental activity in learning.