Tolman trained rats to run down a straightaway and subsequently make several turns until finally reaching a goal box baited with food.After the rats learned this task,the maze was altered.The main straightaway was blocked.However,there were many alternate paths radiating in all directions from the start box.The goal box remained in the same location relative to the start box,and one of the alternate paths led directly to it.Tolman found that rats:
A)selected the path that led directly to the goal box,even though they had never traversed this route before.
B)spent an inordinate amount of time clawing at the blocked main straightaway.
C)demonstrated generalization and selected the path closest to the main straightaway.
D)explored each path systematically,either from right to left or from left to right.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tolman's experiment demonstrated that rats use cognitive maps to navigate mazes, rather than just memorizing specific routes. When the main straightaway was blocked, the rats were able to use their cognitive map to select the path that would lead them directly to the goal box, even though they had never traversed this exact route before.

Tolman Trained Rats to Run Down a Straightaway and Subsequently