Question

Dante often shopped at the same grocery store. One day, another customer asked Dante if he knew where the plastic storage containers were located in the store. Dante immediately gave directions to the correct aisle, even though he had never bought plastic storage containers from that store. The fact that Dante knew the location of the containers is best explained by _________. a. insight learning b. vicarious conditioning c. latent learning d. continuous reinforcement

Short answer

The fact that Dante knew the location of the containers is best explained by latent learning (c).

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Scenario

Dante, despite having never purchased plastic storage containers from the store, was able to give directions to their location. This implies that he had learned this information without explicit training or rewards.

Define Option a: Insight Learning

Insight learning refers to the sudden understanding of a complex problem or concept, often presenting itself as a "Eureka" moment or an innovative solution that suddenly comes to mind.

Define Option b: Vicarious Conditioning

Vicarious conditioning is where an individual learns by observing the rewards and punishments of other people's actions. This kind of learning wouldn't explain why Dante knew the location of the containers, because the exercise doesn't mention any observation of rewards or punishments.

Define Option c: Latent Learning

Latent learning refers to acquiring knowledge or skills without a direct reward, but demonstrating them later when necessary or rewarding. It's unconscious learning that's not immediately apparent.

Define Option d: Continuous Reinforcement

Continuous reinforcement involves rewarding behavior each time it is performed. There's no mention of Dante being rewarded every time he locates something in the store, so this option doesn't fit this scenario.

Choose the Most Applicable Option Based on the Scenario

From the above definitions, the most fitting term to fill in the blank within the given context would be "latent learning" (option c). Dante was able to know where the plastic storage containers were located in the grocery store even though he had never purchased any. This suggests that he might have learned this information passively or incidentally on his previous visits, and it only became apparent when he was asked where the containers were.

Key concepts

Insight Learning

Insight learning occurs when we suddenly understand how to solve a problem or the relationships between elements in a situation. It's often referred to as having a 'lightbulb' or 'aha' moment. Unlike other types of learning that involve a gradual process of trial and error, insight learning appears to happen abruptly and often without any immediate or apparent reinforcement.

For example, a person might be struggling to solve a complex puzzle and, after taking a break, they suddenly see the solution clearly. This phenomenon was famously observed by psychologist Wolfgang Köhler with chimpanzees, who managed not only to use tools but to create them spontaneously to retrieve out-of-reach bananas.

This kind of problem-solving can be deeply satisfying because it can provide a solution that wasn't apparent through step-by-step analysis. Insight learning is important for complex cognitive tasks and creativity, enabling learners to apply previously acquired knowledge to new and unique problems.

Vicarious Conditioning

Vicarious conditioning, also known as observational learning, was brought to prominence by psychologist Albert Bandura through his social learning theory. It involves learning behaviors, strategies, and attitudes by observing the consequences of another person's actions. For instance, if a child sees their sibling being rewarded for completing their homework, they may be more likely to do the same in hopes of getting a reward.

Vicarious conditioning is a powerful tool in shaping behavior because it relies on the social nature of human beings. It includes four key processes: attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation. Not all observed behaviors are equally learned; we tend to imitate behaviors of people we see as similar, successful, or admirable.

This type of learning is crucial in educational settings and child development, as it allows individuals to learn from the experiences of others without having to experience them directly.

Continuous Reinforcement

Continuous reinforcement is a schedule of reinforcement used in operant conditioning where a desired behavior is rewarded every time it's performed. This technique can lead to rapid learning and can be very effective in teaching new behaviors. Skinner, the psychologist well-known for his work in this area, showed how behaviors could be shaped and maintained by reinforcement.

For instance, a trainer gives a dog a treat every time it sits on command. However, this method can make the behavior vulnerable to extinction once the reinforcement stops. In short, the behavior might be quickly forgotten if not continually reinforced.

In Dante's scenario, this was not the type of learning that helped him learn the location of the plastic storage containers. Nevertheless, continuous reinforcement is a primary tool in the early stages of learning a new behavior, especially within clinical applications, classroom settings, and animal training.