Additionally, Edward C. Tolman was essentially aiming to understand cognitive processes through the implementation of behavioral methods. Through his experiments using rats, Tolman posited the idea that behavior was not simply a reaction to a particular stimulus (Walker 1984). Rather, he believed that the concept of the mind could make actual connections between various stimuli. His concept of latent learning illustrates how the mind can learn without having to express an explicit response to a present stimulus. Instead, the mind learns with less obvious reinforcement that can occur after the removal of the stimulus that triggered the learning in the first place. Essentially, the knowledge gained from latent learning is not always expressed immediately, and rather develops inside the mind through unconscious processes that are drawn upon only when the environment would require them. The mind holds on to these pieces of memory to assist in more overt learning later on.
Finally, B.F. Skinner was crucial in developing the theory...
Through his experiments, Skinner began to postulate a theory known as Radical Behaviorism, which aims to explore how the concept of the mind adapts to environmental stimuli to facilitate learning. The concept of the mind is shaped by the unique environment surrounding each individual (Walker 1984). Moreover, changes in behavior help teach the mind new ways of dealing with that environment. Skinner also posited the importance of reinforcement as a way to shape the concept of the mind and redirect more desired behaviors. He is famous for his concept of operant conditioning. According to the research, operant conditioning occurs in the mind when a particular behavior is either rewarded or punished through designed reinforcement measures.
References
Kazantzis, Nikolaos, Reinecke, Mark a., & Freeman, Arthur. (2009). Cognitive and Behavioral Theories in Clinical Practice. Guilford Press.
Walker, Stephen. (1984). New Essential Psychology: Learning Theory and Behavior Modification. Methuen Publishing.
