Question

The ability of rats to learn how to run a maze is an example of ________.

a. imprinting

b. classical conditioning

c. operant conditioning

d. cognitive learning

Short answer

The correct answer is (d) cognitive learning

The ability of rats to learn how to run a maze is an example of cognitive learning.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Introduction

• Animal training is a method of teaching animals to respond to specific conditions and stimuli.
• Rats are particularly gifted at running mazes. Their maze-running ability comes from their evolutionary history: rats are small burrowing rodents that have spent millenia digging and finding their way around underground tunnels.

Step 2. Explanation for the correct answer

cognitive learning

• Cognitive learning is the ability of the brain to manipulate the information from the surroundings.
• The ability of rats to learn how to run a maze is an example of cognitive learning.

Step 3. Explanation for the incorrect answer

a. imprinting

• Imprinting is a phase of learning process which is rapid and sensitive. It occurs at a particular age or life stages and the behavior consequence is independent.
• The ability of rats to learn how to run a maze is an example of cognitive learning. Hence this option is not correct.

b. classical conditioning

• Classical conditioning is a when a individual learns to generate two stimuli at a time.
• The ability of rats to learn how to run a maze is an example of cognitive learning. Hence this option is not correct.

c. operant conditioning

• Operant conditioning is the basis of animal training. It is a type of learning in which an animal learns from its behaviors as it acts on the environment.
• The ability of rats to learn how to run a maze is an example of cognitive learning. Hence this option is not correct.