Which term is used to describe learning that is not immediately observable but can be demonstrated later?

• A. Latent learning
• B. Factor analysis
• C. Intelligence test
• D. Primary reinforcer

Answer: (A)

Latent learning is learning that occurs without any obvious change in behavior at the time, but can be demonstrated later when there’s motivation to show it. A classic example involves rats navigating a maze: they wander through the maze without reinforcement, forming a mental map. Later, when a reward is placed at the end, those same rats move through the maze quickly and efficiently, showing they had learned the layout all along even though nothing was rewarded during the exploration. This illustrates that the knowledge was acquired but not immediately observable until a reason to reveal it appeared.

This concept is distinct from methods or tools like factor analysis, which is a statistics technique used to identify underlying factors in data; from intelligence tests, which aim to measure cognitive ability; or from primary reinforcers, which are stimuli that satisfy basic biological needs. The key idea here is the hidden learning that only becomes evident when it’s useful to demonstrate it.