Why is Edward Tolman considered one of the early cognitive psychologists?

• A. He emphasized the role of mental processes, such as cognitive maps, in learning.
• B. He focused exclusively on observable behaviors and rejected the study of mental processes.
• C. He argued that reinforcement is the only factor influencing learning.
• D. He developed the theory of classical conditioning.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the historical context: Early behaviorists focused mainly on observable behaviors and often rejected the study of internal mental processes.
2. Recognize Edward Tolman's contribution: Unlike strict behaviorists, Tolman introduced the idea that internal cognitive processes, such as mental representations or 'cognitive maps,' play a crucial role in learning.
3. Identify what a cognitive map is: It is a mental representation of the spatial layout of an environment, which helps organisms navigate and make decisions beyond simple stimulus-response patterns.
4. Compare Tolman's approach to other theories: He did not focus exclusively on reinforcement or classical conditioning but emphasized that learning involves more than just external stimuli and responses.
5. Conclude why Tolman is considered an early cognitive psychologist: Because he highlighted the importance of internal mental processes in understanding learning, bridging behaviorism and cognitive psychology.