After exploring a complicated maze for several days, a rat subsequently ran the maze with very few errors when food was placed in the goal box for the first time. This performance illustrates

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This performance illustrates latent learning, which is the acquisition of knowledge or skills not immediately reflected in behavior. The rat learned and stored a cognitive map of the maze during the initial exploration phase and was able to use this mental representation to guide its behavior more effectively when a reward was introduced. This type of learning is not due to reinforcement or punishment, but rather to the formation of cognitive associations. The other choices do not adequately explain the observed behavior.

After Exploring a Complicated Maze for Several Days, a Rat