Unrewarded Exploration and Maze Learning

Abstract

32 rats were given exploration time in a straight alley and a T-maze prior to a critical run. Just prior to this run 16 of the rats were fed in a replica goal box and 16 were shocked. The rats demonstrated latent learning by going to the good-goal box and avoiding the shock-goal box. The χ3 values were significant beyond the .05 level. The results lent support to Tolman's theory: learning is possible in the absence of reinforcement.